biofilm Archives

Exiguobacterium degradation of polystyrene: Enlisting bacteria in the war against plastic

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Dr André Hudson and his team uncover the mechanism by which the bacteria genus Exiguobacterium degrades polystyrene.

Polystyrene is a chemically stable recalcitrant plastic that pollutes many natural environments. Unfortunately, few mechanisms can break down this man-made polymer into its naturally occurring components. Research into the polystyrene-digesting capabilities of the bacteria genus Exiguobacterium sp RIT 594 by Dr André Hudson and his team at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, USA, has uncovered the specific […]

A novel method shaping the future of oral hygiene

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Researchers have assessed the efficiency and accuracy of various air-polishing devices which are used in GBT treatments for removing oral biofilm, or plaque, and improving oral health

The two leading causes of poor oral health – caries and periodontal disease – affect more than 3.5 billion people. Oral prophylaxis helps to reduce the risk of gum and tooth disease. Minimally invasive and pain-free, Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a systematic, predictable, and scientifically proven treatment for professional prophylaxis. GBT involves the combination of warm water, air, and […]

Bacterial biofilms: A persisting public health challenge

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Bacterial biofilms are a notable public health challenge.

Foodborne and waterborne diseases are major global health threats, exacerbated by the ability of bacteria to gain new characteristics, constantly evolve towards increased fitness in their environment, and by developing resilience through biofilm formation. Utilising emerging technologies such as elevated hydrostatic pressure and application of novel bacteriocin and bactericidal compounds, Professor Aliyar Cyrus Fouladkhah and his team in the Public […]

Changing climate: A ‘threat multiplier’ for foodborne and waterborne infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance

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Aliyar Fouladkhah examines the risks of foodborne pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes.

Dr Aliyar Cyrus Fouladkhah of Tennessee State University is an Assistant Professor in Public Health Microbiology. His laboratory explores preventive measures for the spread of infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, and food security in the landscape of changing climate. His research aims to provide better understanding of the ecology, epidemiology and effectiveness of control measures of enteric and environmental pathogens at […]

Breaking down the fort: Combatting clinical biofilms

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Antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumanii are forming protective layers called biofilms.

Treating bacterial infections can be challenging, even more so when they build a fort. These forts, or ‘biofilms’, form on living and non-living surfaces, such as heart valves, and protect bacteria from immune responses and antibiotics. This can lead to serious, chronic conditions, for instance an infection of the heart’s lining (endocarditis), relapsing infections and increased mortality. To help combat […]