About the project
Due to uncontrolled antibiotic drug usage, pollution, mismanaged sewage and sanitation services, have added to the burden of enteric disease prevalence. There is an urgent need for improved prevention strategies. In our lab, we study bacterial biofilms, working with Salmonella, Ideonella and Pseudomonas bacteria. In our research project, we are involved in analysing the complete genetic information of these strains, we aim to unravel their phylogenetic relationships and identify potential virulence factors, antibiotic, heavy metal resistance, adherence and biofilm formation mechanisms. Numerous virulence genes are essential for Salmonella pathogenesis and these genes are located on various elements of the genome including the chromosome, plasmids, integrated bacteriophage DNA, Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs), and Salmonella genomic islands (SGIs).
The biofilms are subjected to different quantification studies. Various cell viability assays are performed to probe the role of quorum sensors or quenchers on biofilms. Expression of genes responsible for biofilm formation or disruption are further probed as an essential part of this study. My research concerns the continuous culture of Salmonella serovar enterica as system to study pure microbial culture for growth, biofilm formation - in-vivo/ in-vitro and its genetic architecture, identifying the factors for specific genetic variation or environmental adaptations. Prior to this research, the only means of studying the efficacy of quorum sensors involved the use of disposable abiotic surfaces. The identification of the gene locus, transcription activation and inhibition of the specific gene and its expression will have an impact on adhesion and biofilm formation. This will allow the researcher to uni-factorial control of growth and adhesion parameters of microbes, resulting in probable use in the industry to lessen infection and food wastage burden.
- Research area 1 – Growth control of Biofilm - Research- The biofilm models in the study and the relative efficacy of intervention using quorum quenchers and other inhibitory agents gives a strong advantage to coat the food packing materials and wound dressings to inhibit the biofilm growth of microbes.
- Research area 2 –Possibility of a modified inhibited Salmonella strains for boosting treatment plan Further investigations for control of transcriptional inhibition, and gene expressions specifically for biofilm formation will lead to test the target infection sites with modified Salmonella to control proliferation of microbes. Research- Gene editing technique will establish the possibility of gene mapping the specific locus to test the effects on biofilm formation.
Funding
This work is funded by the School of Life Sciences (University of Westminster) Enhanced Consumables Fund and School of Life Sciences (University of Westminster) Research Startup Fund.
Contact
For further information contact the Principal Investigator Dr. Anjali Ghosh at [email protected].