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Georgia Tech Research PodcastAuthor: Georgia Tech Research Podcast
Research at Georgia Tech is about finding connections between diverse ideas and disciplines. Those links are where breakthrough discoveries are possible. The Georgia Tech Research Podcast examines these efforts to develop exciting new technologies through interviews with our team of expert researchers who share their unique perspective and knowledge on a variety of advanced topics. Language: en Genres: Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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ATRP--Episode 30: Collaboration Between GTRI's ATRP and GT's Diggle Lab to Fight 'Superbug'
Sunday, 22 February, 2026
The latest Georgia Tech Research Podcast episode for the Agricultural Technology Research Program (ATRP) focuses on the Georgia Tech Diggle Lab (www.thedigglelab.com). This episode discusses cross-campus collaboration between GTRI's ATRP and GT's Diggle Lab. The Lab's director is Dr. Steve Diggle (hence, the name). The Diggle Lab is based in the Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection (part of the School of Biological Sciences) at Georgia Tech. Its primary objective is to gain a deeper understanding of microbial interactions and social behaviors, with a focus on their impact on virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the development of therapeutic strategies. A prominent project is an investigation of the antibiotic-resistant superbug, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified as a "critical threat" in health care environments. GTRI and the Diggle Lab collaborated on research focused on bio-based wound dressings and antibiotic resistance. The collaboration has led to has developed piacens, protein-based antimicrobial structures that target specific bacteria without causing resistance. The lab also explored ancient biotics, recreating a 1,000-year-old recipe that effectively treated Staphylococcus aureus. The collaboration aims to address antibiotic resistance and biofilm issues in poultry and industrial settings, leveraging piacens' precision and stability.
