Research lectures, seminars and events
The events listed in this area are research seminars, workshops and lectures hosted by Durham University departments and research institutes. If you are not a member of the University, but wish to enquire about attending one of the events please contact the organiser or host department.
IAS Fellow's Public Lecture - Clay Minerals as Antibacterial Agents: Mechanisms and Applications
Abstract
Certain naturally present clay minerals are capable of killing antibiotic-resistant human pathogens and thus, these clays have been proposed as antibiotic alternatives. The specific mechanisms for such antibacterial activity of natural clays include: 1) generation of lethal reactive oxygen species (ROS) from soluble Fe2+; 2) Al toxicity. Both mechanisms require acidic pH to release Fe2+ and Al from clay mineral. Recently, studies have demonstrated generation of ROS from structural Fe(II) in clays, which attack specific proteins and cause cell death. This mechanism works at neutral pH and the clay can be re-cycled multiple times. Because of these properties, clay minerals may be useful as antibacterial agents in clinical applications. This lecture will talk about recent results in further improving the efficiency of the antibacterial activity towards a variety of human pathogens under realistic human skin conditions (neutral pH, salt concentration).
This lecture is free and open to all.
Details about Professor Hailiang Dong
Map – Calman Learning Centre is denoted as building No. 43
Contact enquiries.ias@durham.ac.uk for more information about this event.
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