Dr Andrew J Lamb
Email: a.lamb@rgu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 262526
Office: PC21
Position: Senior Lecturer in Microbiology
Interest Areas
Treatments for infections caused by MRSA
Key duties and responsibilities
School and University Activities
- Module coordinator for PH2019 Pharmaceutical Microbiology and PH4014 Research Methods,
- MPharm Stage 3 Coordinator,
- Member of MPharm Programme Management Team,
- Member of School Academic Board,
- Chairman of the School Postgraduate Research Student Committee,
- Member of the School and Faculty Research committees and University Research Degrees committee,
- School Postgraduate Research Degrees Coordinator; and
- Member of PgC Higher Education Learning and Teaching Programme Management Team.
Dr Lamb teaches elements of microbiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics and molecular biology within the Masters in Pharmacy undergraduate programme.
Professional Activities
- Immediate past chairman of the Institute of Biology Scottish Branch Council,
- Chartered Biologist and Member of the Institute of Biology,
- Member of the Society for General Microbiology and Scottish Microbiology Society; and
- External Examiner for Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland.
Academic background
- BSc(Hons) Life Sciences in 1988, Department of Biological Sciences, Napier College, Edinburgh.
- PhD in Microbiology in 1992, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Aberdeen.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Level Teaching in 2001, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Current research interests
My current research interests focus on the investigation of antibacterial agents. As the utility of the existing suite of antibiotics continues to decline, this work aims to provide an understanding of processes that may contribute towards survival of the bacterium through development of resistance. Information obtained will therefore assist development of the next generation of novel anti-infective agents.
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Superbugs
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA as it is otherwise known.
1. Examination of antistaphylococcal activity of semisynthetic flavanoids
This has involved the investigation of the potential antimicrobial activity of a small group of naturally occurring flavonoids and their semi synthetic derivatives upon Staphylococcus aureus. We have shown that selected compounds posses activity upon the cytoplasmic membrane, resulting in a bactericidal effect. The nature of this activity is currently being investigated.
2. Development of novel antimicrobial wound dressings
A recent initiative has involved development of a novel vehicle for topical application of antibacterials for wound healing. This has involved production and evaluation of novel wafer formulations impregnated with selected antimicrobials as potential wound dressings to treat infections caused by organisms such as MRSA. This collaborative project is being undertaken with my colleague Dr Kerr Matthews.
3. Investigation of antibacterial activity of triclosan
The widespread use of Triclosan has prompted concern regarding the potential for development of resistance has been raised. With a reasonably well characterised mode of action, the action of this agent upon Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is being examined. Data collected for these investigations have uncovered previously unknown effect. This work has also involved detailed examination of the antibiotic colistin, along with some proprietary antimicrobial peptides.
Potential MSc and PhD Projects
Having successfully supervised several PhD students to completion, and currently being involved in the supervision of 3 research students opportunities are available to undertake a research degree in my laboratory. I can offer supervision to potential PhD students in various aspects of the investigation of antibacterial agents aligned to the projects listed above.
I have successfully supervised several PhD students to completion, currently being involved in the supervision of 3 research students. Recently I was awarded the Certificate of Accreditation by the Training and Accreditation Programme for Postgraduate Supervisors (TAPPS) Scheme overseen by BBSRC. I can offer supervision to potential PhD students in various aspects of microbiology including investigation of antimicrobial agents.
Link to Conference Materials
Click the links below to access conference presentation material
Novel Antimicrobial Agents at RGU, 15/06/10.
Key publications
N. O’Driscoll, K. Matthews, and A.J. Lamb (2009). Investigation of the activity of triclosan on growth, morphology and cell integrity of bacteria. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 61 (Supplement), 120.
T.P.T. Cushnie, P.W. Taylor, Y. Nagaoka, S. Uesato, Y. Hara, and A.J. Lamb (2008) Investigation of the antibacterial activity of 3-o-octanoyl-(-)-epicatechin. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 105, 1461-1469.
T.P.T. Cushnie, V.E.S. Hamilton, D.G. Chapman, P.W. Taylor, and A.J. Lamb (2007) Aggregation of Staphylococcus aureus following treatment with the antibacterial flavonol galangin. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 103, 1562-1567.
T.P.T. Cushnie and A.J. Lamb (2006) Assessment of the antibacterial activity of galangin against 4-quinolone resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Phytomedicine.13, 187-191.
T.P.T. Cushnie and A.J. Lamb (2005) Antimicrobial Activity of flavanoids. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 26, 343-356.
T.P.T. Cushnie and A.J. Lamb (2005) Detection of galangin-induced cytoplasmic membrane damage in Staphylococcus aureus by measuring potassium loss. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 101,243-248.
