School pupils helped develop and test promising new compounds that could improve the effectiveness of existing tuberculosis (TB) treatments as part of a unique research project.
The year-long initiative brought together dozens of students from four County Durham schools.
Supported in part by a grant from The Royal Society, it enabled them to take part in genuine scientific research tackling one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, TB.
The project focused on finding booster compounds that could increase the effectiveness of existing, low-cost TB drugs.
It was led by Professors Patrick Steel and Ehmke Pohl from our Department of Chemistry, alongside Professor Paul Denny from our Department of Biosciences and Dr Alistair Brown from Newcastle University.
It involved chemistry A-level pupils from St John's School and Sixth Form College in Bishop Auckland, Framwellgate School in Durham, Durham School and St Leonard's Catholic School, also in Durham.
The project began with sessions in each of the schools where pupils learned how researchers use computer modelling to design potential drug molecules.
Experts also gave talks about drug discovery, TB research, careers in the pharmaceutical industry and studying at university.
Around 40 compounds were created by the pupils, who then used our laboratories to synthesise their favourite designs.
These were then analysed using advanced techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy.
The pupils were able to investigate how their compounds interacted with proteins linked to disease using the same techniques as professional researchers.
After quality checks and analysis, the compounds were sent to Dr Brown at Newcastle University, who carried out detailed testing against tuberculosis.
Several showed enough promise to provide leads for future development.
The project concluded with students presenting their findings and creating posters now displayed in their schools.
A group of students from St John's and Framwellgate School also showcased their work at The Royal Society’s Summer Exhibition in London.
The project was supported by postgraduate researchers, technical specialists and staff from across our Department of Chemistry, whose expertise helped make the programme a success.
A scientific paper involving the pupils, students and researchers is now being planned, with hopes that the experience will inspire more young people to pursue chemistry, biology and molecular sciences in the future.
Main image shows pupils displaying their work at The Royal Society’s Summer Exhibition in London.
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