safe sweeteners that fight bacteria

Scientists Discover Artificial Sweetener That Can Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

The artificial sweetener saccharin, typically used in products like sugar-free drinks and diet yogurts, has demonstrated effectiveness in eliminating multidrug-resistant bacteria, including highly dangerous pathogens.

The Growing Threat of Antibiotic Resistance

"Antibiotic resistance poses a significant challenge to contemporary medicine," notes Professor Ronan McCarthy, lead researcher at Brunel University's Antimicrobial Innovations Center.

"Antibiotics are essential in preventing infections during procedures like tooth extractions and cancer therapies, yet their effectiveness is diminishing as resistance grows."

Global Impact of AMR

In 2019, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths and associated with nearly 5 million fatalities worldwide.

WHO's List of Priority Pathogens

The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed drug-resistant pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannil, known for severe infections in immunocompromised individuals, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, associated with sepsis and chronic lung conditions, as top-priority threats.

Saccharin Emerges as a Novel Antimicrobial Agent

"In groundbreaking research by our team, we've discovered saccharin as a novel antimicrobial agent," said Prof. McCarthy. "It disrupts bacterial cell walls, causing deformation and rupture, ultimately destroying the pathogens. Importantly, this disruption allows antibiotics to penetrate and overcome bacterial defenses."

A Sweetener with Hidden Ability

Saccharin has been staple in the human diet for over a century. Although it has undergone extensive safety testing in humans, its impact on bacteria was not well understood until a recent study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine.

Mechanism of Action

The international research team discovered that saccharin halts bacterial growth, interferes with DNA replication and prevents the formation of biofilms—protective structures that enhance bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

From Lab to Applications: Saccharin-Infused Wound Dressing

The team developed a hydrogel wound dressing infused with saccharin, which demonstrated superior performance to top hospital-grade silver-based antimicrobial dressing in testing.

Transforming Treatment Strategies

"This discovery is incredibly promising," said Prof. McCarthy. "While new antibiotics typically require decades and immense investment, saccharin is already widespread—and it both destroys resistant bacteria and enhances existing antibiotic therapies."

Sweeteners Beyond Taste

"Many diet and sugar-free products contain artificial sweeteners. Our research has shown that these same sweeteners, often used in beverages like coffee or 'sugar-free' drinks, can make some of the most harmful bacteria more treatable."

A Looming Crisis and a Ray of Hope

The World Health Organization cautions that we may soon enter a "Post-Antibiotic era," where routine infection could prove fatal. Excessive antibiotic use in healthcare and agriculture has hastened resistance, while new treatments remain scarce.

Urgency for New Solutions

"This alarming scenario calls for urgent intervention," stated Prof. McCarthy. "Saccharin may offer a novel and promising path forward in combating drug-resistant infections."

Source

"Explore how saccharin, a commonly used artificial sweetener, can potentially combat deadly drug-resistant bacteria in our latest breakthrough research. Discover more on how these findings could revolutionize modern medicine and save lives!"

Read more:

Human Health Issues — A comprehensive resource for the latest updates on medical advancements and health issues.

FSNews365 — A cutting-edge platform providing in-depth articles on scientific innovations, technology, space and breakthrough.

Earth Day Harsh Reality — A thought-provoking site focusing on environmental issue and global challenges.