Marine Biotechnology in action: Seaweed story - putting a marine enzyme into a washing detergent.

Summary

This video highlights a groundbreaking study at Newcastle University focused on understanding how nature keeps surfaces clean, particularly in the ocean. Professor Grant Burgess and his team discovered a bacterium on seaweed that produces an enzyme capable of breaking down bacterial slime. This enzyme could be used in various applications, including cleaning ships, teeth, and laundry. The research has potential to improve hygiene and cleanliness in numerous industries. The project also offers hands-on experience for students, like Leanne, a toxicology master’s student, who has gained valuable insights into biofilms, infections, and the practical applications of their findings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Grant Burgess, a professor at Newcastle University, researches marine biotechnology and studies how to keep ships clean by mimicking natural ocean processes.
• 😀 The team focused on seaweed, discovering that bacteria living on seaweed surfaces play a role in keeping it clean.
• 😀 A bacterium was isolated that produces an enzyme capable of breaking down bacterial slime on surfaces.
• 😀 This enzyme could have multiple practical uses, such as cleaning bacterial slime from surfaces like teeth and ships.
• 😀 Dr. Michael Hall, an expert in organic chemistry, joined the research to investigate the enzyme's potential for biofilm dispersal.
• 😀 The enzyme, a phosphodiesterase, helps break down sticky bacterial molecules that bind bacteria together in biofilms.
• 😀 Potential applications for this enzyme include cleaning products that tackle bacterial residue on various surfaces, from bathrooms to clothes.
• 😀 The team collaborated with industrial partners, especially in the laundry industry, where bacterial residues on towels and sports equipment posed a challenge for cleaning.
• 😀 Incorporating the enzyme into new washing powders can enhance laundry cleanliness, eliminating bacteria and improving smell.
• 😀 Leanne, a master's student in toxicology, contributed to the project, gaining valuable experience in biofilms and infections, while furthering her understanding of marine science.
• 😀 The research team has also been involved in outreach programs, engaging the public and students in marine science through activities like summer schools and hands-on learning.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Professor Grant Burgess's research?

Professor Grant Burgess's research focuses on studying how to keep ships clean by understanding natural processes in the ocean, particularly how seaweed stays clean, and learning from those processes to apply them in other contexts.

How did Professor Burgess's team begin studying seaweed for cleaning purposes?

Professor Burgess and his team began studying seaweed after observing that it stays clean in the ocean without being covered in slime or bacteria, and they hypothesized that bacteria living on the surface of seaweed contribute to keeping it clean.

What important discovery did Professor Burgess and his team make about bacteria on seaweed?

The team discovered that bacteria living on the surface of seaweed produce an enzyme that helps break down bacterial slime, which contributes to keeping the seaweed clean.

What potential applications were identified for the enzyme discovered by the team?

The enzyme has potential applications in cleaning bacterial slime from surfaces like teeth, ships, and other areas where bacteria might accumulate, such as industrial sites.

What is the role of Dr. Michael Hall in the research project?

Dr. Michael Hall, from the chemistry section of Newcastle University, contributed to the research by helping isolate and identify the enzyme produced by the bacteria. His expertise in organic chemistry and natural products was crucial for understanding the enzyme's bioactive properties.

What is the enzyme's function, and how does it contribute to the cleaning process?

The enzyme is a phosphodiesterase that breaks down bacterial slimes, which are sticky molecules that hold bacterial communities together. This allows the bacteria to be released from surfaces, which can improve cleaning in various applications.

What specific industrial application was explored using the enzyme discovered in the research?

The enzyme was tested in laundry applications, specifically for its ability to break down bacterial residue and improve the cleanliness of clothes, especially items like towels and sports equipment, which often retain bacterial material despite regular washing.

How did the enzyme improve laundry cleaning?

By incorporating the enzyme into new washing powders, it helped to release bacterial residue from fabrics, which improved the cleanliness and freshness of laundry, making it smell nicer and cleaner.

What is Leanne's role in the project, and how has her experience shaped her academic development?

Leanne is a master's student studying toxicology at Newcastle University who has worked as a research assistant on the project for two years. Her experience in the project has deepened her understanding of biofilms and infection, complementing her studies in toxicology.

What kind of outreach activities did Leanne participate in, and what was their purpose?

Leanne participated in outreach activities that aimed to engage students, young children, and adults with marine science. These activities included summer schools and educational programs to foster interest in marine biology, species diversity, and the importance of ocean ecosystems.