MIT Researchers Use Synthetic Biology and AI to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Three-year, $3 million project aims to develop new targeted antibacterials to address growing global threat

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, led by Professor James J. Collins, are embarking on a multidisciplinary project that applies synthetic biology and generative artificial intelligence to the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The project, sponsored by Jameel Research, will focus on developing and validating programmable antibacterials against key pathogens over the next three years.

Why it matters

AMR, driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, has accelerated the rise of drug-resistant infections worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited diagnostic infrastructure. This project aims to create a new generation of targeted antibacterials that can provide a more precise and adaptable approach than traditional antibiotics to combat this growing crisis.

The details

The research project will leverage synthetic biology and generative AI to design small proteins that can disable specific bacterial functions. These designer molecules would then be produced and delivered by engineered microbes, offering a more targeted solution than conventional antibiotics. The initial three-year, $3 million effort will be based in MIT's Department of Biological Engineering and Institute of Medical Engineering and Science.

  • The project is set to run for the next three years, starting in 2026.

The players

James J. Collins

The Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering and Science at MIT and faculty co-lead of the Abdul Latif Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning in Health, leading the research project.

Abdul Latif Jameel

Chair of Abdul Latif Jameel, the organization sponsoring the research project through its Jameel Research initiative, with a commitment to advancing research to strengthen global health.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The university where the research project is being conducted, within the Department of Biological Engineering and Institute of Medical Engineering and Science.

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What they’re saying

“This project reflects my belief that tackling AMR requires both bold scientific ideas and a pathway to real-world impact.”

— James J. Collins, Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering and Science at MIT (Mirage News)

“Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most urgent challenges we face today, and addressing it will require ambitious science and sustained collaboration. We are pleased to support this new research, building on our long-standing relationship with MIT and our commitment to advancing research across the world, to strengthen global health and contribute to a more resilient future.”

— Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, Chair of Abdul Latif Jameel (Mirage News)

What’s next

The researchers plan to develop and validate the programmable antibacterials over the next three years, with the goal of creating a more precise and adaptable approach to combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance worldwide.

The takeaway

This ambitious research project at MIT, supported by Jameel Research, represents a critical step in addressing the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance through the innovative application of synthetic biology and AI. By developing targeted antibacterials, the researchers aim to provide a more effective solution than traditional antibiotics, with the potential to have a significant impact on global health and resilience.