Cow Enzyme Breaks Down Bacterial Biofilms, Offering Hope for Antibiotic Resistance

A team of scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has discovered a novel way to combat antibiotic resistance by targeting the protective biofilms formed by bacteria. They identified a specific enzyme, GH-B2, found in the rumen of cows, which effectively breaks down the polysaccharide-rich matrix of biofilms produced by the dangerous bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. This enzyme, synthesized in the lab, successfully disrupted biofilms in four different strains of K. pneumoniae, demonstrating its broad effectiveness against this opportunistic pathogen. This breakthrough offers a promising new strategy for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.