Dynamic Microbe-Interfacing Nanomaterials to Study and Treat Bacterial Biofilm Infections

The majority of bacterial infections grow as biofilms: bacteria surrounded by nanoscale structures made of biomolecules such as DNA, sugars, and proteins. Antibiotics often attach to these sticky nano-architectures and fail to reach their bacteria targets, leading to severe antibiotic resistance. Nanoparticles (NPs) can act as tiny drug carriers that protect drugs within NPs until they reach their targets. However, it is unknown how NPs should be designed to travel within biofilms and deliver antibiotics most effectively. This challenge in designing NPs is compounded by a lack of benchtop biofilm models that represent the biofilm nano-architecture found in infections. My lab develops nanoscale materials such as NPs that have directed bacterial interactions to guide them within the biofilm environment and trigger drug release. This will improve drug efficacy and reduce side effects. We are also developing nanomaterials that mimic the natural biofilm architecture to be used as a new biofilm model that will help us develop next generation nano-therapeutics. By using advanced microscopy and mouse models of infection, we will assess and optimize nanomaterial design to improve antibiotic efficacy and treat resistant biofilm infections.