John Kalyvas
Higher Degree by Research Candidate
School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
John Kalyvas is a PhD candidate specialising in cyclic peptide chemistry and antibiotic drug discovery. His research focuses on developing novel peptide-based antibiotics with enhanced antibacterial activity and reduced toxicity.
With a diverse skillset encompassing chemical synthesis, microbiology, biochemistry, and advanced purification techniques, John bridges multiple disciplines to ensure a comprehensive approach to peptide research. Currently, he is integrating machine learning and computational tools into his work to accelerate the discovery and design of promising antibiotic candidates against the critical ESKAPE pathogens, streamlining the identification of structures with optimal therapeutic properties.
John is passionate about addressing the global challenge of antibiotic resistance by leveraging his interdisciplinary expertise to drive the discovery of next-generation peptide-based antibiotics with real-world therapeutic potential.
My research centers on the design, synthesis, and development of cyclic peptide-based antibiotics aimed at tackling the global challenge of antibiotic resistance. By combining solid-phase peptide synthesis with advanced purification techniques, including preparative HPLC, I produce high-purity cyclic peptides for biological evaluation. These peptides are then tested for antibacterial activity and toxicity in vitro, enabling the identification of candidates with optimal therapeutic profiles.
I am currently integrating computational tools, including machine learning, into my research to accelerate the discovery process. This involves analysing structure-activity relationships, using molecular descriptors and high-dimensional data to predict antibacterial efficacy and toxicity, and generating novel peptide candidates for experimental validation. My work also incorporates NMR-based structural studies to elucidate secondary structure and refine design strategies based on molecular interactions and conformational dynamics.
Through this interdisciplinary approach, I aim to streamline the discovery of next-generation antibiotics with enhanced activity against the highest-priority ESKAPE bacterial pathogens, minimised toxicity, and potential for clinical translation. My research is driven by the urgent need to develop innovative therapeutic solutions to combat resistant bacterial infections.
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Journals
Year Citation 2024 Kalyvas, J. T., Wang, Y., Toronjo-Urquiza, L., Stachura, D. L., Yu, J., Horsley, J. R., & Abell, A. D. (2024). A New Gramicidin S Analogue with Potent Antibacterial Activity and Negligible Hemolytic Toxicity. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67(13), 10774-10782.
Scopus2 Europe PMC12024 Stachura, D. L., Kalyvas, J. T., & Abell, A. D. (2024). New Potent Sulfonamide-Based Inhibitors of <i>S</i>. <i>aureus</i> Biotin Protein Ligase. ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 15(9), 1467-1473.
2024 Wang, Y., Kalyvas, J. T., Evans, J. D., Toronjo-Urquiza, L., Horsley, J. R., & Abell, A. D. (2024). Expanding the therapeutic window of gramicidin S towards a safe and effective systemic treatment of methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections.. Eur J Med Chem, 283, 117128.
2023 Kalyvas, J. T., Marina, P. F., Stachura, D. L., Horsley, J., & Abell, A. D. (2023). Smart Wearable Patches Using Light-Controlled Activation and Delivery of Photoswitchable Antimicrobial Peptides. Chemistry, 29(46), 1-8.
Scopus1
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