Prof. Hans Griesser and his collaborators have identified a suite of novel antibacterial serrulatane diterpenes, from the resin and leaves of many species of the Australian native plant Eremophila.
They are using them to prevent bacterial growth on medical implants. The intention is that covalent binding of the diterpenes to the surface of implants will be able to provide permanent protection, stopping the coated implants from ever harbouring infection when inside the body.
October 22, 2012
