Nanyang Technological University's (NTU) Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Engineering Cluster (BPEC) has set up the first maggot research lab in Singapore. The research aims to explore the many uses and benefits that maggots can bring to the commercial, medical and scientific industry both locally and globally. The scientific discoveries from the maggot research may bring to light untapped findings that could lead to new medical and industrial applications.
“We see our research into the use of maggots as a blend of both traditional and Western science. At this lab, we have brought our existing multi disciplinary research capabilities in the overlapping areas of biomaterials, bio-nanotechnology, cellular engineering, and tissue engineering to bear. On-going research includes deciphering the anti-microbial patterns on various cell types, and combinatory drug efficacy trials,” said Associate Professor Daniel Lim Chu Sing, Director, BPEC.
The research conducted at the maggot laboratory aims to discover more ways in which maggots may be used. The research work may include understanding the digestive tract, secretions and microbial distribution within the intestines of maggots. BPEC intends to concentrate its research into the analysis of maggot secretions such as its make up, debridement chemical components, identification of anti-microbial components and the identification of susceptible pathogenic bacteria. In addition, BPEC will explore the cryogenic storage, powdering and dissection of maggots to identify novel components and its unique properties.
One possible application of the research is “bio dressing”. This refers to the applications of various secretions of maggots that can be beneficial to the medical profession. Maggots have been known to secrete enzymes and other chemical agents to aid in the breakdown of necrotic tissue for consumption and digestion. Identifying these agents and synthesising them efficiently, and also further understanding their impact on a wound will give medical practitioners a powerful tool in being able to debride necrotic tissues.
Additionally, after consuming these bacterial rich necrotic tissues, maggots are able to kill the bacteria in their digestive tracts. This ability to kill bacteria allows the scientists at BPEC to investigate new anti-microbial compounds. These anti-microbials may in the future yield new antibiotics to combat pathogenic bacteria and newly emerging antibiotic resistant bacteria.
BPEC has collaborated with leading industry partner ORIGIN Scientia which will be assisting BPEC in its research by providing services such as the culturing and sterilisation of maggot and fly specimens.
“We are excited to be joining hands with BPEC in this ground-breaking research on maggots and their beneficial uses,” said Carl Baptista, Head of Research and Development, ORIGIN Scientia Pte Ltd, “We are thoroughly committed to seeing this research from start to end; from the rearing of flies for culturing, all the way to the delivery of real benefits that maggots can bring to the various industries such as bio dressing therapy.”
The maggot research lab is located in the BPEC department at the NTU Research Techno Plaza.
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Media contact
Esther Ang, Manager, Corporate Communications Office
Tel: 6790 6804; Mobile: 9113 9654; Email: estherang@ntu.edu.sg
Gregory Street, Communications Manager, ORIGIN Scientia Pte Ltd
Tel: 6280 5666; Email: gregory@origin.com.sg
Melanie Shum, Consultant, Hill & Knowlton
Tel: 6390 3329; Mobile: 9004 1722; Email: mshum@hillandknowlton.com.sg
About the BPE Cluster
The BPE Cluster at NTU co-ordinates the multi-disciplinary R&D involving bioengineering and pharmaceutical engineering at NTU. It oversees its five research arms, namely the Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (BMERC), Centre for Chiral & Pharmaceutical Engineering (CCPE), Centre for Biotechnology (CBT), Computer Integrated Medical Intervention Laboratory (CIMIL) and the Physiological Mechanics Laboratory (PML).
About Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a research-intensive university ranked among the top 20 technological universities. The university has two campuses in Singapore. The Yunnan Garden campus, NTU's main campus, is located in the southwestern part of Singapore. The NTU@one-north campus, home to educational and alumni clubhouse facilities, is located near Singapore's biomedical research hub, Biopolis; and the new infocomm and media hub, Fusionopolis. NTU has four colleges comprising 12 schools. The College of Engineering comprises six schools focused on technology and innovation. Its research output ranks among the top four in the world. The College of Science pushes the boundaries of Singapore's life sciences initiatives. The Nanyang Business School (the College of Business) offers one of the world's top 100 MBA programmes. The College of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences boasts Singapore's first professional art school offering degree courses in art, design and interactive digital media, the Humanities and Social Science School, and the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, a top journalism and media school in Asia. The 13th school, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, was inaugurated on 1 January 2007. An important component of this autonomous school is the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, long recognised as a world authority on strategic studies and terrorism. NTU is also home to the internationally-acclaimed National Institute of Education, Singapore's only teacher-training institute. NTU has in place multi-country programmes and initiatives with established institutions worldwide. Key partners include MIT, Stanford University, Cornell University, Caltech, University of Washington, Georgia Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University in USA, Peking University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Waseda University, Indian Institute of Technology in Asia, Cambridge University, Imperial College and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Europe. For more information, visit www.ntu.edu.sg
About ORIGIN Scientia Pte Ltd
ORIGIN Scientia (Pronounced skee-EN-tee-uh) is a Singapore based life sciences company specialising in the research and development of organic solutions for the medical and healthcare industry. ORIGIN Scientia believes in using modern science to harness and refine beneficial elements and applications from throughout the natural world.
