IPLS/BioP Seminar: Dr. Philip Pearce (Harvard University)

Abstract: Bacterial biofilms are surface-associated populations of cells embedded in an extracellular matrix and represent a major form of microbial life on Earth. In their natural environments, ranging from human organs to industrial pipelines, biofilms have evolved to grow robustly under significant fluid shear. However, it is unclear how strong fluid flow alters aspects of the biofilm life cycle including their formation, growth, and dispersal. In this talk, I will discuss how external flow affects biofilms across multiple scales at each of these stages of their life cycle, through transport of signalling molecules, realignment of growing cells, and biofilm deformation and erosion.

Host: Guillaume Charras

Please contact Jas Gill-Thind (j.gill-thind@ucl.ac.uk) if you do not already have the details to join the Zoom meeting.

For best functionality please ensure when you join the call you turn off your webcam and mute your microphone, to save bandwidth. If you have a question, please use the meeting Chat panel to let the host know, then switch on your camera and microphone on to ask the question when prompted.