Novel strategies in tackling biofilm infections

In the environment, most microbes thrive in biofilms, which are communities of cells that adhere to abiotic or biotic surfaces. It has actually been suggested that 60-80% of infections in humans involve biofilms. Examples include wound infections, endocarditis, and lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder, but one of its hallmarks is a chronic lung infection that is the main cause for morbidity. Despite intensive antibiotic treatment, bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus persist in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. One reason that infections are so difficult to clear is that cells in biofilms are very tolerant to both antibiotics and the immune system.

This project aims to investigate biofilms of pathogens and develop novel strategies that improve the efficacy of currently used antibiotics. The first part of the programme is to investigate the antibiofilm capacity of existing and novel antibacterials. This may involve compounds that can either eradicate or disperse biofilms. The second part of the project will use pharmaceutical and biophysical approaches to study the preparation and formulation of antibiofilm compounds, either alone or in combination with antibiotics.

This project provides a unique experience for the student, who will gain a solid background in several techniques, ranging from microbiology and biochemistry to particle engineering technology.