Articles tagged with Biofilms
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed bioelectrodes that can generate electricity by harnessing the power of Geobacter bacteria. The biofilms are composed of cells loaded with cytochromes and pili, which work together to transmit electrons across the biofilm and to the underlying electrode.
Researchers discovered that diatoms are attracted to the smell of silicate minerals and move actively to areas with high concentrations. This ability allows them to colonize specific regions and is a key factor in their survival. Understanding this process could lead to the development of new materials resistant to algal colonization.
Researchers used OCT to visualize and assess biofilm on intubated endotracheal tubes in vivo, detecting the presence of pneumonia-related bacteria. The study showed that OCT can measure biofilm thickness and gather information about its extent, potentially leading to reduced infection rates.
Researchers from the University of Southampton used EDIC microscopy to study catheter biofilm development, revealing four distinct stages and a key role for the Proteus mirabilis bacterium. The findings challenge traditional theories and provide new insights into preventing catheter blockages and urinary tract infections.
A pioneering ultrasonic device called StarStream has been developed to improve the cleaning of medical instruments using cold water, eliminating biological contamination and bacterial biofilms. The device has shown significant effectiveness in removing complex contaminants such as brain tissue from surgical steel.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed a computational model that simulates the mechanical behavior of biofilms, which can be used to study issues such as blood clotting and waste treatment systems. The new model allows for the simulation of complex behavior, including viscoelastic properties, and can be adapted to ...
A Harvard team has created a novel protein engineering system called BIND to engineer bacteria into living foundries for the production of biomaterials with specific functions. The researchers have demonstrated the ability to fuse multiple proteins to create multifunctional biofilms that can be programmed to perform various tasks.
Duke University engineers have developed a new urinary catheter design that can eliminate nearly all hard-to-kill biofilm from the catheter's walls using physical deformation. The design features an inflation channel that forces the thin wall into the urinary tract, leaving the outer dimensions intact.
A new antibacterial orthodontic cement containing dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) inhibits biofilm formation and reduces lactic acid production. The results show that the DMADDM-containing cement is promising for reducing demineralization in enamel around orthodontic brackets.
Researchers found Salmonella biofilms on various surfaces cannot be killed with common disinfectants, even after prolonged exposure. The study highlights the importance of proper food handling and cleaning practices to prevent outbreaks.
Researchers have developed a new method to extract energy from bacteria, which can convert carbon dioxide in seawater into fuel and electricity. This process involves the use of electrode reactions catalyzed by microorganisms, resulting in highly efficient energy production.
Biofilms interact with sediment dynamics to form distinctive structures called microbialites. Stromatolites, with their multilayered structure, are a well-known example of microbial activity in early Earth's history. However, the formation mechanisms and differences between stromatolites and microbial induction of sedimentary structure...
Researchers at Princeton University found that bacteria can clog medical devices like stents in a short period of time by forming sticky biofilms. The study used controlled environments with rough surfaces and pressure-driven fluid, demonstrating the need for real-world conditions to understand device failures.
Biofilms expand by swelling and then spreading due to the force generated by the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM increases osmotic pressure within the biofilm, causing it to absorb water from its surroundings and swell. This process allows the biofilm to grow and spread horizontally.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have isolated biofilms that can detoxify tailings water by removing toxins and metals. These microorganisms are highly tolerant to stress associated with pollutants, making them a promising solution for cleaning oilsands-related water.
Researchers developed a new fluorescent labeling technology to sort the human oral microbiome. The system revealed unexpected interactions between Prevotella and Actinomyces species, suggesting central roles in biofilm production.
The UMass Amherst team discovered a fundamental property of microbial nanowires in Geobacter sulfurreducens that allows for long-range electron transport. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper, nontoxic nanomaterials for biosensors and solid-state electronics.
Scientists at Harvard University have made a groundbreaking discovery about biofilm colonies, which exhibit an unprecedented ability to repel liquids and vapors. The researchers believe that the secret to their resiliency lies in their unique liquid-repellent surface.
A new metagenomic approach quantifies microorganisms in environmental or medical samples, while a method for adhesive micropatterning offers a simple technique for generating patterns. These methods provide insights into microbial populations and cellular behaviors.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have devised a microscale tool to study biofilms' mechanical properties, which could lead to designing medical equipment that is more difficult for bacteria to adhere to. The new device measures resistance to pressure and found elasticity and strain hardening responses in bacterial colonies.
Researchers have discovered a promising strategy to break down Pseudomonas biofilms, which form in cystic fibrosis patients and cause lung damage. A negatively charged molecule called aspartic acid polymer can disrupt the molecular bonds that hold together these difficult-to-treat infections.
MSU scientist Darla Goeres is developing standardized methods to measure the effectiveness of antimicrobial products against biofilms. This work aims to improve public trust in product efficacy claims.
University of Iowa researchers have successfully wiped out established Staphylococcus aureus biofilms by activating the bacteria's quorum-sensing system. The discovery offers insight into a dispersal mechanism for biofilms and might help identify new therapeutic targets to combat chronic infections.
Research suggests the appendix serves as a reservoir for beneficial bacteria, protecting them from harm and allowing them to repopulate the gut after diarrhea. This discovery challenges the long-held view of the appendix's uselessness.
Researchers discovered that biofilms in caves increase the rate of cave formation by using sulfur for energy, producing strong acid. Cave biofilms also provide food for various cave creatures and have similarities to dental biofilms and steel ship hull corrosion.
Researchers found that diverse cooperators evolved to use different nutrient resources, reducing competition and increasing biofilm success. This diversity leads to smaller cheats populations and larger biofilm groups.
Researchers at Montana State University's Center for Biofilm Engineering have received a $2.9 million grant to study the role of biofilms in chronic wounds. Biofilms, which are bacteria that form protective slime, can interfere with the healing process and contribute to amputations in diabetics.
Dr. Koo has received the IADR Young Investigator Award, a prestigious honor recognizing his groundbreaking work on microbial biofilms in dental and oral craniofacial research. The award, supported by Procter & Gamble Co., is designed to stimulate basic research in all dental disciplines.
Researchers have identified a subset of genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that behave differently when the bacteria exists as a biofilm. These findings may lead to the development of new therapies targeting antibiotic resistance in biofilms. The study found that certain genes were repressed or activated in response to antibiotic treatmen...