Grant: Operating Grant

Microbiologists have traditionally focused on free-floating bacteria growing in laboratory cultures; yet they have recently come to realize that in the natural world more than 99% of all bacteria live in biofilm communities. As a result, biofilm research is now one of the hottest topics in microbiology. More than 80% of all bacterial infections (i.e. cystic fibrosis, otitis media, endocarditis, necrotizing fasciitis, dental caries, periodontal diseases) have biofilms as an integral part of their pathogenesis. Of importance with respect to medicine, biofilms are more resistant to antibiotics. It is thus essential to learn the mechanisms that promote their resistance to develop novel strategies to treat biofilm infections. The originality and innovation of my research program lie in investigating microbial self-destruction as an effective anti-biofilm strategy. My research program is driven by the fundamental question of the role of genetically encoded bacterial cell death pathways and persistence of biofilm infections. From an applied perspective, the results of my research may lead to the development of novel strategies to control and exploit the biofilm phenomenon in medicine. Because of its scope and application-oriented, my research has the potential to yield major health benefits and contribute to the development of cost-effective treatments for biofilm infections.