Biofilms, complex microbial communities encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix, represent a significant challenge in various environments, particularly in clinical settings where they cause persistent and chronic infections. Within this matrix, bacterial extracellular DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a fundamental component, playing diverse roles in attachment, aggregation, stabilization, and maturation. Importantly, eDNA serves as a key mediator of antibiotic resistance, shielding bacterial communities and facilitating the horizontal transfer of resistance genes.
The focus of this project is on biofilm streamers - suspended filamentous bacterial biofilms prevalent in flowing systems - where eDNA serves as the backbone of these structures, essential for their formation and stability.
The project will encompass two primary objectives:
This approach will shed light on the mechanisms underpinning antibiotic resistance in biofilms, with significant implications for infection control strategies.
Institutions involved: HUNIMED
Funds Awarded: EUR 150’000.00
PROJECT INVESTIGATOR(S):
Graduated in nuclear engineering with a Ph.D. in Radiation Science and Technology from the Politecnico di Milano, he currently heads the Laboratory of Applied Physics, Biophysics, and Microfluidics at Humanitas and holds the position of Associate Professor at Humanitas University.
Prof. Rusconi has further enriched his academic background with post-doctoral research both at Harvard University and at the MIT, focusing his studies on areas ranging from colloidal suspensions to bacterial biofilms. His work lies at the intersection of soft matter physics, fluid mechanics, and biology.
The Mid-Career Award for researchers is important because it fills a gap in the research funding landscape, providing crucial support to those in an intermediate position between the (more common) opportunities for early-career researchers and senior-level recognition.
AH-INF MCA projects are the result of a partnership between INF-ACT Foundation and The Giovanni Armenise-Harvard Foundation. Both Foundations share the common goal to support a category of basic scientists, i.e. the Mid-Career researchers, who are currently insufficiently supported, with the common objective to set a new trend and inspire other foundations, private and public institutional donors to help with this critical need.
INF-ACT is a Participated Foundation (Fondazione di Partecipazione)
Codice Fiscale 96084470184 - Partiva IVA 02894510185
Address: Corso Strada Nuova, 65 - 27100 Pavia (Italy)
Contact e-mail: management@inf-act.it - PEC: inf-act@pec.it
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The INF-ACT Foundation is the Hub of the a project funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.3 - Call for tender No. 341 of 15 March 2022 of Italian Ministry of University and Research funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU; Project code PE00000007, Concession Decree No. 1554 of 11 October 2022 adopted by the Italian Ministry of University and Research, Project title "The Matrix of Resistance: Unveiling the Mechanisms of Extracellular DNA-Mediated Antimicrobial Protection in Biofilms".
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