A new study from the **University of Brunel, London** has revealed that **saccharin**, a **common artificial sweetener**, could play a key role in the fight against **antibiotic-resistant bacteria**.
This discovery opens up [new possibilities in medicine](https://noticiasambientales.com/ciencia/proteinas-creadas-con-ia-por-cientificos-pueden-neutralizar-venenos-de-serpiente-y-salvar-vidas/) and the control of hospital infections.
## Antimicrobial resistance: a global problem
**Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)** already causes more than 1.27 million deaths annually, with implications in nearly 5 million deaths.
Bacteria such as **Acinetobacter baumannii** and **Pseudomonas aeruginosa** are **particularly dangerous in hospitals**, affecting immunocompromised patients. According to the **World Health Organization**, these strains are among the **most urgent threats**.
## How does saccharin act against bacteria?
Researchers have found that saccharin:
– Breaks the bacterial cell wall, causing them to deform and die.
– Facilitates the action of antibiotics, allowing them to enter the bacterial cell.
– Interferes with DNA replication, causing uncontrolled growth that weakens the bacteria.
It also deactivates their defense system, altering the proteins that protect the outer membrane, causing **breaks similar to those caused by β-lactam antibiotics**.
## Efficacy against biofilms and resistant strains
Bacteria often **group together in biofilms**, structures **difficult to eliminate with antibiotics**. Saccharin:
– Prevents the formation of new biofilms.
– Breaks down pre-existing biofilms, even in environments with multiple bacterial species.
– Enhances the effect of antibiotics such as carbapenems, reducing bacterial resistance.
## Clinical applications: wound treatment
In laboratory tests using **pig skin**, **hydrogels with saccharin** were used to treat burns.
The results showed **fewer infections** compared to **silver dressings**, currently the standard in treatments.
## Sustainable impact in medicine
The incorporation of saccharin into treatments could:
– **Reduce the overuse of antibiotics**, slowing the emergence of **new resistances**.
– **Accelerate its clinical implementation**, being a product **already approved for human consumption**.
– **Minimize the environmental impact** of **systemic treatments**, limiting their use in medicine and agriculture.
## A discovery with global potential
This breakthrough opens up a new horizon in the [fight against resistant infections](https://noticiasambientales.com/bienestar/una-alimentacion-saludable-clave-para-un-estilo-de-vida-equilibrado/), offering an **innovative and accessible** alternative.
The ability of saccharin to **alter the bacterial structure** could be key in the **development of more effective treatments**.
