This document outlines the research focus of the "Bacteria and Materials Interactions" group at Empa's Biointerfaces laboratory. The group's primary mission is to understand, predict, and control the interactions between bacteria and materials for health-related applications. Their work is centered on an interdisciplinary approach that combines microbiology, biomaterials science, and chemistry to address the critical challenges of bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The group's key research pillars include studying the molecular mechanisms of bacterial surface sensing, investigating biofilm resistance to antimicrobials, developing novel biosensors for the rapid detection of resistant pathogens, and designing innovative, non-antibiotic treatments like bioinspired wound dressings. The research is supported by a Biosafety Level II laboratory and extensive collaborations with hospitals, universities, and industry partners.
Empa's Research on Bacteria and Material Interactions
Core Mission: The group focuses on understanding and controlling how bacteria interact with material surfaces to develop solutions for health-related challenges, particularly infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Studying Bacterial Adhesion: The team investigates the fundamental mechanisms bacteria use to sense and attach to surfaces. The goal is to leverage this knowledge to create novel antibacterial and anti-adhesive materials that prevent infections before they start.
Combating Biofilm Resistance: A major research area is understanding how bacteria living in biofilms—a common cause of persistent infections on medical devices—develop resistance to antibiotics. This research informs the development of new strategies to prevent biofilm-associated infections and the spread of AMR.
Developing Advanced Biosensors: The group designs non-invasive biosensors that can rapidly and specifically detect antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in clinical samples from skin wounds, dental diseases, and pneumonia, enabling timely and appropriate treatment.
Creating Novel Treatments: To reduce reliance on antibiotics, the team is developing innovative treatments using natural, hazard-free materials. A key project involves creating bioinspired wound dressings that can eliminate biofilms while simultaneously promoting tissue regeneration and wound healing.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: The research is conducted in a Biosafety Class II Lab equipped to handle various bacterial strains, including multi-resistant pathogens. They utilize advanced characterization methods like fluorescence microscopy (CLSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and real-time quantitative PCR to analyze bacterial adhesion and biofilms.
Collaborative Approach: The group, led by Dr. Qun Ren Zulian, emphasizes strong collaborations with clinical partners at hospitals (e.g., Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen), academic institutions (e.g., University of Zurich, ETHZ), and industry to translate research into practical applications.