Staff profile

I am interested in the mode of action of more unorthodox antimicrobial agents. I studied microbiology at Glasgow University, followed by a PhD in bacterial genetics at the University of Nottingham. There I studied the molecular mechanisms of bacterial and bacteriophage genome rearrangements, with a focus on DNA structure-specific endonucleases and helicases. Since moving to Durham in 2001, and relocation to the Chemistry Department here, I have become increasingly interested in antimicrobials. Work with chemists has included analysis of novel antimicrobial surfaces, polymers, nanoparticles, peptoids, therapeutic clays and other small molecules. Current major projects involve collaboration with industry, namely metal chelating agents with Procter & Gamble and photoactivatable antimicrobials with LightOx Ltd. A major goal is to identify alternatives for our dwindling supply of antibiotics to combat drug resistant bacteria and fungi.

Metal chelating agents target different metals in bacteria. The four examples shown above highlight some of the metals affected in Escherichia coli and the uptake pathways important for tolerance. Further details can be found in Paterson et al (2022) listed below.

• Microbiology
• Bacterial and bacteriophage genome rearrangements
• Antibacterial agents and resistance mechanisms
• Novel antimicrobial surfaces
• Metals in microbiology
• Photoactivatable antimicrobials

• 1992 - 2000: Royal Society University Research Fellowship: 1992-2000: