A University of Otago biochemist has just received a $50,000 grant to test her research.

Doctor Monica Gerth plans to develop enzymes that help to prevent catheters and other medical devices from causing infection.

That should reduce the rate of serious complications following surgery.

Doctor Gerth's research deals with stopping bacteria forming, and from becoming immune to antibiotics.

She started her research at Otago in 2012.

And she'll work with the university's commercial arm - Otago Innovation Limited - to test out her theories.

The grant was awarded by the university's division of health sciences.