Antibiotics have been a vital tool in saving lives, but the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is becoming a global concern. In response to this issue, Hans-Jürgen Heidebrecht and his startup, Doderm, have developed an innovative antibiotic substitute derived from whey. Major players in the food industry have expressed interest in this research, seeing potential applications in food supplements as well as for curing both humans and animals.
Heidebrecht, with a background in food and bioprocess engineering, embarked on this journey during his award-winning doctoral thesis. Drawing inspiration from the antibodies calves receive from their mother's milk to boost their immune systems, he explored the possibility of applying this concept to humans. In his research at the Weihenstephan test barn, Heidebrecht immunized cows with inactivated human pathogens, leading to the production of pathogen-specific antibodies detectable in the milk. He aptly calls the cow a "bioreactor" in this process. While milk naturally contains antibodies effective against various pathogens, heating diminishes their protective effect. Thus, Heidebrecht turned to whey, a byproduct of cheese production, successfully isolating different antibodies from it.
These antibodies have now piqued the interest of the food industry, with substances like Lactoferrin offering substantial growth potential. For farmers and dairies, whey presents an additional source of income, as it can be lucratively sold to the food, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical sectors. Doderm has already developed an antibiotic gel for dogs in collaboration with veterinarians, and it's in demand. The study is now set to be expanded to horses.
Hailing from Kiel in northern Germany, Heidebrecht shares that he's been involved in various ventures, including making fruit wine during his student years. His decision to move to the Technical University of Munich (TUM), known for its leadership in food technology, reflects his dedication to this field. Balancing research and family life, he has also ventured into the craft beer business while contributing to global sustainability through his innovative ideas that align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
While natural antibiotics hold potential benefits, they come with their own set of risks. Continued research and exploration of these alternatives are crucial. Traditional natural antibiotics, which have been used for generations, could potentially lead to the development of life-saving medications in the future. Supporting and funding research in the field of alternative medicine is essential in the quest to discover more sustainable alternatives and enhance the global healthcare system.
More information: https://doderm.de Youtube credits: @AiFdigital