Nucleating the growth of biofilms for biocatalysis with polymer chemistry

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Career overview

Dr Tim Overton is a Reader in Microbial Biotechnology at the University of Birmingham''s School of Chemical Engineering. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry with Molecular and Cell Biology (1999) and a PhD in Biochemistry (2003), both from the University of Birmingham. Dr Overton''s academic journey began with training as a biochemist, followed by a postdoctoral research position where he investigated bacterial responses to oxygen and various stresses. His interest in bioprocessing of biopharmaceuticals was sparked during a collaborative project with GSK, focusing on the production of challenging recombinant proteins in *E. coli*. Dr Overton''s research is centred on applying molecular biology and single-cell techniques to enhance bioprocesses, particularly in microbial flow cytometry. He collaborates extensively with bioprocess engineers, molecular microbiologists, cell biologists, and environmental microbiologists to develop innovative methods for addressing fundamental questions at the single-cell level. His work encompasses using bacteria to produce valuable products, such as protein drugs and small molecules, and understanding bacterial stress responses in these processes. He is a member of the Healthcare Technologies Institute (HTI), an interdisciplinary network of over 70 academics dedicated to advancing new technologies and treatments for improved tissue healing and rehabilitation. Dr Overton''s research themes include the regulation of antibiotic resistance (AMR), the formation of bacterial biofilms, and optimising processes for the production of high-value microbial products. His contributions to the field are recognised through his involvement in various committees, including the BBSRC and UKRI Talent, and as a peer reviewer for numerous scientific journals and funding bodies. In addition to his research, Dr Overton is actively engaged in teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering topics such as basic biology, molecular biology, systems and synthetic biology, and fermentation processes. He also supervises practical laboratory work and is involved in various wellbeing initiatives within the university.

Research interests

Dr Tim Overton''s research focuses on microbial biotechnology, specifically applying molecular biology and single-cell techniques to enhance bioprocesses. He is actively involved in microbial flow cytometry research and collaborates with bioprocess engineers, molecular microbiologists, cell biologists, and environmental microbiologists to address fundamental questions at the single-cell level. His research encompasses three main themes: understanding biofilm formation and prevention, optimising bacterial processes for producing valuable products like insulin, and addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through antibiotic efficacy. Dr Overton investigates the regulation of AMR, the relationship between energy metabolism and AMR, and the mechanisms by which antibiotics penetrate bacterial cells. In the area of biofilms, he explores how external stimuli drive biofilm formation and seeks methods to prevent it, including the use of vibration. His work on utilising bacteria for the production of high-value products includes optimising fermentation processes and developing novel promoters for recombinant protein production. Dr Overton''s research is supported by funding from organisations such as BBSRC, TSB, and EU FP7, and he is part of the Healthcare Technologies Institute, which aims to translate research into health applications.