UTM Explores Smart Anti-Infective Concept In Next-Generation Hygiene

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Advances in microbiome science are paving the way for new approaches to infection control through the concept of “Smart Anti-infectives”, which focuses on controlling harmful microorganisms while preserving beneficial ones.

The approach was discussed at the First International Scientific Seminar titled Towards New Hygiene Standards – From Total Elimination to Smart Anti-infectives, organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), which brought together experts from six countries.

UTM Director of the Centre of Agrotechnology Innovation for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA), Prof Dr Hesham Ali El Enshasy, said the approach was not intended to replace existing antimicrobial methods, but to explore the scientific potential of moving from a focus on eliminating microorganisms to a more selective approach.

“If research continues to support this direction, it could help shape our thinking regarding next-generation hygiene,” he said in a statement.

According to the statement, the approach evaluates not only the effectiveness of controlling harmful microorganisms but also the ability to preserve beneficial microorganisms.

The discussions also explored whether future hygiene and anti-infective methods could selectively target harmful microorganisms without disrupting beneficial ones, while maintaining effectiveness and safety.

Meanwhile, UTM Pagoh Campus head Prof Dr Ida Idayu Muhamad said the university recognises the importance of bringing together researchers, clinical experts and industry stakeholders to facilitate the exchange of scientific knowledge.

“This seminar provides a platform for international collaboration and evidence-based discussions on the evolving fields of hygiene and healthcare innovation,” she said.

According to UTM, experts from Malaysia, Finland, South Africa, Egypt, the United States and Indonesia shared perspectives on increasingly difficult-to-treat pathogens, infection control, healthcare access, microbiome science and the use of natural resources to combat infections.

Researchers from UTM, Universiti Malaya and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) also presented research involving standardised mangrove extracts and their potential to control harmful microorganisms while preserving beneficial bacteria.

However, the researchers stressed that laboratory-stage findings still require safety assessments, further validation and clinical studies before they can be considered for healthcare applications.

The programme concluded with the Kuala Lumpur Scientific Declaration 2026, reflecting the shared commitment of scientists, clinicians, government agencies and industry players to pursue research, independent validation, clinical studies and international collaboration on anti-infective approaches capable of more precisely targeting specific microorganisms.

The seminar was organised by ICA UTM in collaboration with the World Bioeconomy Association (WBA) and technology partner SATEERA.

-- BERNAMA