Soft Matter Seminar: Visualizing bacterial biofilms across different length scales
Prof. Jing Yan – Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University
Abstract: Biofilm is an important lifestyle of bacteria where bacterial cells collectively form surface-associated aggregates embedded in a polymeric matrix they secrete. Biofilm is a concern in health and in industrial operations because of persistent infections, clogging of flows, and surface fouling. On the other hand, biofilms also display many interesting features as self-shaping and self-organizing materials. In this talk, I will discuss about our recent progress in visualizing biofilms across different length scales, using Vibrio cholerae as a model biofilm former. In addition, I will also talk about the unique biochemistry of the extracellular matrix that enable V. cholerae biofilms to adhere to various host and abiotic surfaces and adapt to environmental changes.