In our project, we used cutting-edge techniques in machine learning and natural language processing, combined with the DeBERTa model, to screen short peptides with potential antifungal activity from a large library of protein sequences. This innovation improves screening efficiency and pushes the boundaries of antifungal drug development. However, scientific research is not just about technology, but also about its social, environmental, and ethical impact. Through various social practice activities, we ensure that our research is not only scientifically feasible but also has a positive impact on society.
At the heart of our project is the fight against fungal infections, a global challenge that poses a serious threat to human health, agriculture, and the environment. With the increasing abuse and resistance to antibiotics, it is urgent to find new antifungal drugs. In response to this global need, our project uses machine learning to screen short peptides with antifungal activity, providing a new way to solve this puzzle.
Stakeholder input and feedback are crucial for improving our project. We have gained valuable advice from multiple stakeholders, including clinicians, drug companies, patient organizations, and experts from academia. These discussions have helped us to account for diverse needs and gave us a deeper understanding of the challenges in antifungal drug development.
Key Stakeholders:
Promoter Technology (Chongqing) Co., LTD
Promoter Technology focuses on bioinformation technology and big data analytics, highly aligned with our core technology of sequence analysis using machine learning. They helped optimize data processing and improve model performance in screening antifungal short peptides.
Hanhong Sangzi (Sichuan) Education Technology Development Co., LTD
Hanhong Sangzi supports us in communicating scientific advancements. Their experience in science communication and education has helped us promote antifungal peptide research to the public and raised awareness of fungal infections.
Chongqing Ruizhichuang Intelligent Technology Co., LTD
Chongqing Ruizhichuang provided expertise in intelligent detection hardware. Their technology has enhanced the practical and commercial potential of our antifungal peptide screening tools.
In developing antifungal drugs, ethical considerations are a major focus. We ensure compliance with ethical standards at every research step, including wet-lab validations, biosafety, and the ethical treatment of experimental organisms. We also emphasize sustainability, ensuring that the peptides selected are not only effective but also environmentally friendly and economically feasible for large-scale production.
Our project aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
By combating drug-resistant fungal infections, the project contributes to reducing mortality and improving global health outcomes.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The project fosters innovation in healthcare and drug discovery, advancing biotechnology research and development.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
By developing alternative treatments and reducing reliance on antibiotics, the project promotes more sustainable practices in medicine.
SDG 15: Life on Land
Reducing the overuse of antibiotics protects ecosystems from pollution and the spread of resistance in the environment.
We believe technology and social responsibility go hand in hand. By integrating human practices into all aspects of our project, we aim to achieve not only scientific breakthroughs but also sustainable contributions to human health and the environment. In the future, we will deepen collaborations with stakeholders and continue to optimize the antifungal peptide screening process.