The potential direct impact of this project is multifaceted and wide in scope:

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1) Makes a positive contribution to the quality of life by creating a basis for novel enzyme drugs and approaches to cope with the global emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Drug-resistant bacteria are becoming increasingly serious since they can transform a common infection into a life threatening illness. Considering that the progress in developing new antibiotics against human pathogens is very slow, it is conceivable that the development of new strategies for controlling MDR strains are urgently needed.

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2) Creating new knowledge. The project comprises an array of coherent research activities that encompass complex molecular, biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences. The research program will generate knowledge in formulating a more general and coherent framework to encompass the integration of Enzybiotics research into the wider context of pharmaceutical biotechnology. Thus, the proposal affords a substantial opportunity for innovation and scientific excellence.

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3) Training and Transfer of Knowledge. An integral part of the project is the transfer of knowledge and training components that will allow participation of scientists in an emerging new area that bridges several highly innovative multidisciplinary technologies. The implementation of the project is expected to provide trainees with broad access to research opportunities across multidisciplinary scientific lines. The proposed project contains sub-projects that are ideally suited for the training of pre-doctoral students and postdocs. Each scientist and student is intended to participate in a variety of interdisciplinary training activities that will broaden research skills and approaches.

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4) Implementation possibilities. The academic members will take all measures and make every effort to bring the knowledge and innovation produced from the project to exploitation. The methodological progress achieved within the project will have a high economic impact. For example, the exploitation of the proposed Enzybiotics may contribute significant to the national pharmaceutical industry. The possibility of patenting and later exploiting by different means certain deliverables could be particularly beneficial. Strengthening the national industrial competitiveness in the field of biotechnology will keep it in the front rank of a wide range of potential applications.