This episode of Georgia Tech Research Podcast 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.