Objective
Identify genes under positive selection within biofilms formed on biomaterials.

Bacteria within biofilms undergo rapid genetic diversification resulting in variants that promote persistence of chronic infections and development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We are utilizing next generation sequencing to catalog the variants arising within Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms that have been exposed to clinically-used antibiotics and antimicrobial coatings over time. This will increase our understanding of how AMR develops and will identify genes that could be targeted for the development of novel therapeutics.

Bacteria growing on a surface as a biofilm.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells growing on a surface as a biofilm. The DNA of living bacteria is stained with a green fluorescent dye, while the DNA of impaired cells is stained with a red fluorescent dye.

Source: Odel Soren, University of Southampton

University of Southampton - Biofilms and Microbial Communities

University of Southampton - Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases

National Biofilms Innovation Centre

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