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#OTD20 | September 28, 1928

Alexander Fleming and the Discovery of Penicillin: A Modern Medical Breakthrough

Returning to his laboratory after a vacation, Fleming notices that a culture of Staphylococcus bacteria, which he'd left on his workbench, has been contaminated by a mold, Penicillium notatum. More intriguingly, the bacteria surrounding the mold have been killed.

This serendipitous discovery leads Fleming to isolate the antibacterial agent in the mold, which he aptly names penicillin. His subsequent research reveals its remarkable capability to combat a vast array of bacterial infections without harming human cells.

Although the mass production of penicillin doesn't begin until the 1940s, its impact is profound. Transforming the medical world, it offers a potent weapon against many previously fatal diseases, earning its title as the "miracle drug."

Fleming's discovery paves the way for the development of other antibiotics, revolutionizing modern medicine and saving countless lives.

Additional Resources

Access more information from Media Rich Learning and curated off-site sources.

Science Museum

Read "How Was Penicillin Developed" at the website of the U.K.'s Science Museum.

American Chemical Society

Read "Discovery and Development of Penicillin" at the website of the American Chemical Society.

PBS

Read "The Real Story Behind Penicillin" on the PBS website.

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