Image: FOI
PhD project within the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University
The project aims to increase the understanding of how microbes, especially bacteria from the genus Bacillus, attach to different surfaces such as metal and plastic. Bacillus is not only a good model organism but also causes problems in healthcare, industrial systems and can be used as a bioweapon.
The ability of microbes to adhere to surfaces and form biofilms is a major problem in medicine, industry, and defense. In medical contexts, the presence of microbes on implants and other medical surfaces can lead to serious infections. In industrial systems, microbes and biofilm formation can result in extremely costly cleaning procedures and major production issues. Additionally, bacteria can be used as bioweapons, with the aim of either causing a direct lethal attack or spreading fear and creating chaos through terrorism.
Particularly problematic are pathogenic, spore-forming bacteria of the genus Bacillus, which are not only highly resistant to chemicals but also adhere effectively to a variety of surfaces. Despite significant efforts to control and eliminate Bacillus, existing methods are often insufficient. The problem is worsened by an incomplete understanding of the exact mechanisms behind microbial adhesion and biofilm formation. This lack of knowledge hinders the development of new and more effective strategies to prevent microbial attachment and biofilm buildup.
By deepening the understanding of the mechanisms behind microbial adhesion and biofilm formation, this project aims to create a robust foundation for progress in several fields. Specifically, we focus on developing methods to improve surfaces and thereby reduce the risk of microbial growth. This knowledge is particularly valuable in healthcare to prevent nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections, in industry to prevent buildup in machines and pipelines, and in the military to ensure optimal function of critical equipment.
