Understanding the molecular architecture of biofilms is key to tackling antibiotic tolerance
Source: https://beyondantibiotics.ox.ac.uk/news/understanding-the-molecular-architecture-of-biofilms-is-key-to-tackling-antibiotic-tolerance Parent: https://beyondantibiotics.ox.ac.uk/
19 Nov 2025
Understanding the molecular architecture of biofilms is key to tackling antibiotic tolerance
Researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in collaboration with the IBME are investigating how Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria form biofilms, which are complex bacterial communities that can colonise medical devices and lungs, particularly in cystic fibrosis patients. Due to their structure, these biofilms make delivery of antibiotics to the bacteria difficult, yet the molecular organisation of their matrix remains poorly understood.
Using a multi-scale imaging workflow, including Electron cryotomography, confocal microscopy, and cryo-volume imaging, our team of researchers have visualised biofilm formation in real time and at molecular resolution. Initial findings showed:
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A filamentous protein meshwork forming the biofilm matrix
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Distinct cellular arrangements and macromolecular organisation of biofilms compared to planktonic cells
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Protective structural features that may underpin antibiotic tolerance
This research is led by Dr Zhexin (Eric) Wang and supervised by Dr Tanmay Bharat. Their next steps are to uncover how these biofilms respond to antibiotic treatment, which is an essential step toward developing more effective therapies.
This research is funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) Programme Grant Scheme under the reference number EP/V026623/1.