Although ocean plastics are a scourge of the seas, they may also hold the key to unlocking new strains of antibiotics.

The surprising results are from the work of a research team at National University in San Diego, who worked in collaboration with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

The scientists were able to isolate five bacteria found on ocean plastics that were capable of producing antibiotics from these plastics. The researchers found that the antibiotics were effective against common bacteria and against two strains of “superbugs,” antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

According to the lead author of the study, Andrea Price:

“Considering the current antibiotic crisis and the rise of superbugs, it is essential to look for alternative sources of novel antibiotics, we hope to expand this project and further characterise the microbes and the antibiotics they produce.”

Further information can be read here.