NCN OPUS grant for integrated research on the oral microbiome and resistome and the search for new treatments for odontogenic infections

29 06 2026

Prof. Magdalena Popowska from the Department of Bacterial Physiology at the Institute of Microbiology has received PLN 3,399,900 in funding from the National Science Centre under the OPUS 30 call for the project entitled “ORARES: Integrated studies of the oral microbiome and resistome as a basis for developing alternative therapies for odontogenic infections”.

The ORARES project is an innovative research initiative aimed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between the oral microbiome, meaning the entire community of microorganisms inhabiting the oral cavity, the presence of antibiotic resistance genes, collectively known as the resistome, and the potential use of modern biological methods in the treatment of odontogenic infections. The project addresses one of the most important contemporary health challenges, the increasing antibiotic resistance of bacteria responsible for periodontal diseases and other inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity.

Periodontal diseases are among the most common chronic diseases worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than half of the European population suffers from various forms of gingivitis, while more than 10% experience severe forms of periodontal disease. These conditions not only damage periodontal tissues and lead to tooth mobility and tooth loss, but are also associated with numerous systemic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. At the same time, the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy used to treat advanced inflammatory conditions is declining because of the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The innovative approach of the ORARES project lies in combining research on the oral microbiome with analysis of the resistome, which includes genes responsible for antibiotic resistance. The project will examine samples collected from 200 patients. This will make it possible to determine which changes in microbial composition are associated with health and disease, and which bacteria and resistance mechanisms accompany the development of inflammatory conditions. Particular attention will be paid to resistance genes located on mobile genetic elements, which enable them to spread rapidly between bacteria.

The most innovative aspect of the project is the search for alternatives to antibiotics. The research will include the isolation and characterization of bacteriophages, viruses that infect only bacteria, and endolysins, enzymes capable of destroying bacterial cell walls. Bacteriophages and endolysins may also be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Their ability to combat biofilm-forming bacteria is particularly important, as biofilms represent one of the greatest therapeutic challenges in the treatment of periodontal diseases. The project will also assess the safety of the proposed solutions through cytotoxicity testing on eukaryotic cell lines.

The significance of the project extends beyond dentistry and microbiology. The results will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of antibiotic resistance within one of the most important human microbiomes. They will also provide a basis for developing new, precise therapeutic methods in line with the principles of future medicine. Another outcome of the project will be the creation of a unique collection of bacteria associated with periodontal diseases, bacteriophages specific to these bacteria, and endolysins with confirmed antibacterial activity and tested safety profiles. This valuable research resource may be used in the future to develop new therapeutic products supporting the treatment of odontogenic infections.

The ORARES project is part of global efforts to reduce antibiotic resistance and develop innovative methods for treating bacterial infections. Its results may contribute to improving oral health, reducing antibiotic use, and developing effective and safe biological therapies for patients with periodontal diseases.

Warm congratulations on receiving the grant, and we wish every success in carrying out the project!

Details of the National Science Centre funding calls are available at:
https://www.ncn.gov.pl/aktualnosci/2026-06-11-wyniki-opus30-sonata21