2026 Patent success of the Department of Molecular Biotechnology
Our department's research team, including Dr. Joanna Żebrowska and Dr. Małgorzata Ponikowska (with research done as part of her PhD), in collaboration with Dr. Hab. Prof. UG Piotr Mucha, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Hab. Piotr Skowron, patented an invention that is a new fusion recombinant protein with a cellulose-binding structure and bactericidal properties. The development of this new protein was part of the research under the TECHMATSTRATEG 'Bionanova' project, funded by the National Centre for Research and Development. The project title: 'Next-generation systems for delivering bioactive molecules in chemically synthesized and genetically engineered nanobiomaterials.'
The patented fusion protein was named CBD_TP84_28_His. It combines the unique properties of a bacteriophage endolysin, which is a thermostable enzyme that breaks down bacterial cell walls, with a cellulose-binding domain structure that comes from a cellulase enzyme. This recombinant hybrid allows the protein to be permanently immobilized on various cellulose-containing surfaces while maintaining its antibacterial activity. The resulting structure can be used in medicine and pharmaceuticals for humans and animals, tissue engineering, and many other industries. A key advantage of this invention is its ability to combat harmful bacteria and biofilms, for example in wound dressings, implants, disinfectants, or functional packaging, including for food.
Obtaining a patent is an important step towards developing innovative solutions to tackle the growing problem of microbial antibiotic resistance and potentially implementing new technologies in medical and industrial practice.
The patent was created by Dr. Joanna Żebrowska, Dr. Małgorzata Ponikowska (a PhD student at the Department of Molecular Biotechnology), Professor Piotr Skowron, and Dr. Piotr Mucha, Professor at the University of Gdańsk's Department of Molecular Biochemistry.
The research was carried out within a consortium that includes the following entities: University of Gdańsk, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk University of Technology, INNOVABION LLC, and NEX.D LLC.
