Scientists at the Altai State University Center for Recombinant Technologies are developing a peptide that could serve as an alternative to antibiotics in wound treatment. The project is currently in the culture phase to obtain the material and carry out its initial purification, as well as to prepare for basic in vitro laboratory testing.

The team’s objective is to obtain research samples of the peptide—recombinant human β-defensin 3 (hBD3)—in order to evaluate its activity against a range of microorganisms and to conduct preliminary safety testing on mammalian cells.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that the body uses as building blocks for proteins (such as collagen and elastin) and as signalling molecules. They regulate metabolism, stimulate cell regeneration, and influence the ageing process. Peptides act as “keys” to “locks” (receptors) on the cell surface. By binding to these receptors, they issue precise instructions, such as accelerating collagen production, relaxing muscles to smooth wrinkles, or initiating the regeneration process.

Why is this area important?

The rise of antibiotic resistance (bacterial resistance to antibiotics) necessitates the search for alternative and complementary treatment approaches. Antimicrobial peptides are considered promising candidates for topical application in coatings, gels, and dressings.

The peptide β-defensin 3 is known for its broad spectrum of activity and its resistance to certain conditions that diminish the activity of other peptides. These molecules are naturally present in the human innate immune system, making them attractive subjects for both fundamental and applied research.

The development at the Altai State University Center for Recombinant Technologies is focused on practical prototypes for topical use and on creating accessible research materials for scientific purposes. To date, the Center’s specialists have established basic approaches for cultivating producer cells (living organisms capable of synthesising complex molecules from simple nutrient media) and for producing the target peptide at laboratory scale. Primary purification, quality control, and preparation for testing are also underway: a panel of in vitro laboratory tests is being developed using reference microbial strains and cell models to evaluate antimicrobial properties and primary cytotoxicity. Testing will begin once a sufficient quantity of purified material has been accumulated.

Where to apply?

• Medicine: coatings and impregnations for medical materials; antimicrobial gel and film formulations for wound care; dental and ENT prototypes designed to reduce bacterial load.
• Science and education: use of the peptide as a model system to study the interactions of cationic peptides with microbial membranes; screening of combinations with existing antiseptic and antibacterial agents; educational demonstrations illustrating the principles of innate immune factors.

“Development is in the early stages. These are laboratory samples for research purposes. The peptide is not a drug, and any medical applications will require additional research, independent validation, and completion of all regulatory steps. Statements regarding efficacy and safety will be made only on the basis of reproducible trial results. The team is taking a conservative approach to data interpretation and is gradually expanding the testing program as material becomes available,” notes Vitaly Kulikov, a researcher at the Altai State University Center for Recombinant Technologies.