Objectives
The biofilms and biofluids research group aims to better understand the colonization of biotic (e.g. human tissues) and abiotic (e.g. engineered systems) surfaces by microorganisms in the presence of biofluids and in industrial and environmental scenarios. This integrated approach will allow to better mimic the formation of biofilms in medical, environmental and industrial settings and hopefully lead to disruptive research and more effective biofilm control strategies in these areas.Major research topics
Study of the biocidal mode of action and antimicrobial resistance of planktonic cells and biofilms and discovery of environmentally friendly antimicrobials for biofilm control
Development of novel nucleic acid mimics-based constructs to target and detect specific cells within the biofilm
Development of new surface coatings and topographies to reduce cell adhesion and biofilm formation
Development of systematic approaches to minimize Legionella pneumophila risks in water systems in hospitals and other public buildings (hotels, office buildings, etc.)
Development of models for flow and mass transport of biofluids in complex geometries and accounting for fluid/cell interactions (e.g. 3D biofilm geometry)
Development of novel nucleic acid mimics-based constructs to target and detect specific cells within the biofilm
Development of new surface coatings and topographies to reduce cell adhesion and biofilm formation
Development of systematic approaches to minimize Legionella pneumophila risks in water systems in hospitals and other public buildings (hotels, office buildings, etc.)
Development of models for flow and mass transport of biofluids in complex geometries and accounting for fluid/cell interactions (e.g. 3D biofilm geometry)
TEAM
Ana Alexandra da Silva Pereira
Anabela Portela Borges
Andreia Sofia Mateus Azevedo
Bruna Filipa Vieira Costa
Carina Manuela Fernandes Almeida
Darla Marie Goeres
Filipe José Menezes Mergulhão
Inês Bezerra Gomes
Joana Isabel Gonçalves Vilas Boas
Anabela Portela Borges
Andreia Sofia Mateus Azevedo
Bruna Filipa Vieira Costa
Carina Manuela Fernandes Almeida
Darla Marie Goeres
Filipe José Menezes Mergulhão
Inês Bezerra Gomes
Joana Isabel Gonçalves Vilas Boas