Understanding and Controlling Biofilm Formation

Biofilms are sessile bacterial communities formed in aquatic environments by the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances. Nearly all bacteria form biofilms, and they are frequently associated with diseases and biofouling. It is very difficult to eliminate bacterial biofilms using conventional antibiotic or disinfectant treatments, because the biofilm matrix formed by the microbial products, the induction of stress-responsive genes in biofilms, and the non-metabolizing nature of some biofilm cells (i.e., persister cells) protect biofilm cells from many antibacterial agents (e.g., biofilms are 1000-fold more resistant to various antibiotics than the planktonic culture). The persistence and complexity of biofilms have been a critical limitation in controlling biofilms. My research group seeks to understand molecular interactions between biofilm cells and develop control strategies. These efforts are 1) to investigate interaction mechanisms between beneficial (probiotics) and harmful (pathogens) bacteria in multi-species biofilms, 2) develop probiotic bacteria for as “living antibacterials” that can kill or eradicate harmful biofilms, 3) engineer antibacterial proteins for use as alternatives to antibiotics, and 4) identify anti-biofilm molecules to eradicate biofilms. We have identified that probiotic E. coli outcompetes biofilms formation of several pathogens. Also, we have examined different types of fatty acid compounds to see how they affect the survival of bacteria under antibiotic treatment. These studies will open the development of novel strategies for addressing challenges in numerous biofilm-associated problems in the areas of medical, food processing, agricultural, environmental, and many other industries.