Multispecies biofilms

At Section of Microbiology, we work with several aspects of social bacterial interactions in complex microbial communities, including bacterial biofilms. In a biofilm, bacteria are most commonly attached to a surface and enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix. Biofilm-associated bacteria are more resistant to disinfectants, antimicrobial agents and phagocytosis than their planktonic counterparts. This is due to a combination of multiple factors including the protective role of the biofilm matrix, changes gene expression patterns and the characteristic slow growth rate of biofilm-associated bacteria. Moreover, the bacteria are maintained in the specific environment without needing to multiply. Therefore, bacterial biofilms may be hard to eradicate. It has been observed that resilience of biofilms may be further enhanced in multispecies biofilms due to various interspecific interactions and furthermore, the presence of some species provides a protective effect on other species and may shield them from inactivating compounds and grazing. Therefore, species incapable of biofilm formation by them selves may be present in multispecies biofilms, which is of particular interest – and concern – with respect to pathogenic bacteria.

We work mainly with bacterial isolates from natural environments (soil, water etc.), but we also have collaboration with The National Serum Institute, Faculty of Health (KU) and others where more clinical problems are addressed.

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