Max Zammit-Maempel

• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
• Characterising virulence determinants in emerging Cystic Fibrosis pathogens (Achromobacter xylosoxidans species), studying chemical structure to biological activity relationships

Infections in the lung are common in a genetic condition called cystic fibrosis:  80% of patients get long term bacterial (bug) lung infections leading to hospitalisation and death. Recent research has studied common CF bugs to understand how their outer coating (lipopolysaccharide) causes inflammation in the lung as this causes lung damage. This has led to the development of possible protective vaccines. Newer bacteria are however now being found in CF lungs. I will study one of these newer bacteria and extract the lipopolysaccharide and study the chemical structure and how inflammatory it is in vitro.

Funding Source: Newcastle University