The problem: Bacteria typically live in complex, multicellular communities called biofilms, which contribute to severe and persistent infections. Understanding how biofilms form and function is critical for both basic science and the development of new therapies.
The solution: Carnegie Mellon University researchers, led by Drew Bridges and Luisa Hiller, developed a powerful new method to study how bacteria form and dissolve biofilms, with support from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
The research team created a high-throughput screening platform called Label-Free Analysis of Biofilms (LFAB), which enables scientists to observe the entire biofilm life cycle without disrupting the system.
The impact: This breakthrough platform has already enabled researchers to analyze more than 2,000 genetic mutants and identify over 100 genes linked to biofilm development in pneumococcus, a leading cause of death from respiratory infections worldwide. By establishing a comprehensive map that links specific genes to biofilm behavior over time, researchers can study how stressors like antibiotics affect biofilm growth and evolution. This investment in basic science reveals new vulnerabilities in bacterial communities, guiding the future development of novel therapies designed to disrupt biofilms and combat persistent infectious diseases.
Go deeper: CMU Study Uncovers How Dangerous Bacteria Build and Break Down Biofilms