Physics (Internal)

Mucin biopolymers prevent biofilm formation by retaining bacteria in the free-swimming state

This event is part of the Biophysics/Condensed Matter Seminar Series.

Abstract: Many species of bacteria form surface-attached communities known as biofilms. Surrounded in secreted polymers, these aggregates are difficult to both prevent and eradicate, posing problems for medicine and industry. This talk will describe our work to investigate the ability of mucus, the hydrogel overlying all wet epithelia in the body, to prevent bacterial contact with the underlying tissue. I will present data that show mucin biopolymers, the main functional constituents of mucus, promote the motility of planktonic bacteria, and prevent their adhesion to underlying surfaces. I will also discuss how the deletion of motility genes allows Pseudomonas aeruginosa to overcome the dispersive effects of mucus and form suspended antibiotic-resistant flocs, which mirror the immotile natural isolates found in the cystic fibrosis lung mucus. Our work may offer new avenues to target bacterial virulence, such as the design of anti-biofilm coatings for implants.