A breakthrough in biomedical research has seen Australian scientists use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate a custom-made protein that can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria like E. coli. This study, published in Nature Communications, marks the first time an AI platform has been used to create a ready-to-use biological protein.
According to the researchers, who are part of the new AI Protein Design Program, this achievement could lead to faster and more affordable drug development and diagnostics for various diseases. The program, co-led by Dr. Rhys Grinter and Associate Professor Gavin Knott, models the work done by David Baker, a Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry.
The AI platform used in this study is capable of creating a wide range of proteins, including pharmaceuticals, vaccines, nanomaterials, and tiny sensors. The researchers believe that these tools could democratize protein design, allowing scientists worldwide to leverage them.
The new method uses AI-driven protein design tools that are freely available for scientists everywhere. This approach enables the efficient de novo design of proteins with specific characteristics and functions, lowering costs and accelerating development.
This study is a significant step towards combatting antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The researchers’ work paves the way for faster and more affordable diagnostics and treatments that could transform biomedical research and patient care.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-07-scientists-ai-protein-coli.html