Experts are calling for increased investment in the development of new antibiotics to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

The natural antimicrobial secretions of oysters are attributed to their filter-feeding behavior, which exposes them to a wide range of pathogens.

Marine invertebrates like mollusks produce these AMPPs to protect themselves from pathogens in their microbially rich environments.

A recent study published in PLOS One highlights a protein extracted from the hemolymph of Sydney rock oysters, which has shown significant antibacterial activity against various pathogens.

Conducted by Australian scientists, the research identified this protein's ability to effectively kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The targeted bacteria include those responsible for serious infections such as pneumonia, strep throat, and scarlet fever.

The research team is optimistic about the potential for producing this oyster-derived protein through aquaculture, which could lead to future clinical trials.

Importantly, the study found that oyster antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPPs) are non-toxic to human lung cells, indicating their safety for potential therapeutic use.

Kirsten Benkendorff, a marine scientist and co-author of the study, noted that disrupting bacterial biofilms allows these pathogens to become vulnerable to antibiotics.

While the AMPPs show promise in combating antimicrobial resistance, further research is needed to pinpoint the specific proteins responsible for their antibacterial properties and to understand their mechanisms.

Benkendorff and her team are conducting additional tests to evaluate the protein's toxicity in human tissues, focusing on its potential to combat drug-resistant infections.

This research underscores the urgent need for new antibiotics, as existing treatments are becoming less effective against rising infectious diseases.