High throughput microscopy screening to identify holdfast mutants in Caulobacter crescentus

One major challenge in studying holdfast bioadhesive properties is that cells synthesize only a very small quantity of holdfast at one pole of the cell. Therefore, all studies of holdfast bioadhesive properties have been conducted by atomic force microscopy (AFM). While AFM is a powerful technique, any development of holdfast for practical applications will require the production of large quantities of holdfast. The main goal of this project is to increase the quantity of holdfast produced in order to produce enough material for analysis of holdfast properties and testing its potential for real-world applications. Because the holdfast is a complex material, the best strategy is to increase its production directly in Caulobacter and Hirschia. This will be accomplished by microscopy screening of random mutants in both species. The Brun lab has developed a high throughput microscopy screening platform that enables the automated screening of thousands of mutants per day followed by artificial intelligence (AI)-driven image analysis. This method allows the screening of the large number of random mutants required to identify thew desired ones.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yves Brun

Student:

Partner:

University of Namur

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Biotechnology; Artificial Intelligence

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: