Mimicking Lung- and Gut-Pathogen Interactions Using a Hydrogel-Based Mucus Layer

The objective of this research is to investigate long-term interaction between host cell and pathogen. Research will be proceed using ATPS(Aqueous two phase system) and hydrogel. ATPS enable pathogen to form localized biofilm on mammalian cell tissue. To see long-term interaction, biofilm will be stably localized on mammalian cell using hydrogel, which protect mammalian cell from toxicity of PEG(Polyethylene glycol) and also form mucus. Interaction of Long-term biofilm – mammalian cell interaction will be analyzed by various methods such as cytokine response, cell viability, cell morphology using electro microscope, etc.
This research goes further from previous in terms of pathogen specificity, and cell line specificity, and adapting mucus using hydrogel. Thus, it can say result of research will reveal more realistic interaction of host-microbes.
For further study pathogen biofilm removal research using predatory bacteria will be done. Previous research shows predatory bacteria have biofilm removal effect of biofilm. This study will investigate whether predatory bacteria remove pathogen biofilm and decrease of pathogen biofilm virulence.

Faculty Supervisor:

Brendan Leung

Student:

Partner:

Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Biotechnology

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: