HIMBASS – Hierarchical imaging of biofilms at synchrotron sources

Microbial single and multi-species communities are ancient survival modes of organisms.

If present at inappropriate locations, those matrix-embedded multicellular life forms, commonly called biofilms, are detrimental in clinical, industrial and agricultural settings.

Although biofilm formation of organisms has been extensively studied on the molecular and single cell level, the nano-scale interaction of extracellular matrix components within biofilms and with surfaces has much less been explored.

Using innovative photon, electron and neutron based technologies predominantly available at synchrotron sources in combination with microbiological, genetical and biochemical approaches this project will tackle nano-scale interactions between the components of the extracellular matrix with the aim to further develop rationalized interference strategies.

Thereby, analysis of biofilms of organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa with biofilm formation a major virulence factor in chronic infections; model organisms such as Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli which form biofilms using ubiquitous ancient matrix components and multispecies biofilms which are known to significantly alter the biofilm physiology will be conducted.

The spectrum of to be investigated biofilms ensures a broad coverage of biologically relevant interactions, the identification of common principles and optimal differential development of innovative sensitive methodologies at synchrotron sources.