CEE Seminar - Bacteriophages in Bacterial Biofilms and Bioengineering

Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, are highly adaptable platforms for molecular biology and bioengineering. We have reported that bacterial pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa likewise use filamentous phages as structural components in bacterial biofilms - slimy, polymeric films that bacteria use to colonize airways, wounds, and other surfaces. In particular, Pf phages organize P. aeruginosa biofilms into liquid crystals, promoting cellular aggregation, and enhancing resistance to environmental stressors and antibiotics, thereby contributing to bacterial persistence in chronic infections. Here, we will elucidate the biophysics underlying these interactions and discuss approaches to both interrupt and harness this biology.