Polymicrobial Biofilms: The Importance of Building Better Biofilm Models for Research Translation

Over 80% of opportunistic infections in humans are caused by microbial biofilms. Traditional methods of study for these infections have focused on single species yet there is a wealth of evidence that these infections are polymicrobial in nature. Polymicrobial infections are often chronic in nature, as is evident for example in diabetic foot ulcers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis. These polymicrobial biofilms are complex with various spatial and chemical interactions that can happen at distance or in contact with one another. Recent research has focused on understanding these interactions and how they can be harnessed or inhibited for favourable outcomes.
We have been developing polymicrobial biofilm models to investigate the interactions between 3 cornerstone opportunistic pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and the polymorphic fungi Candida albicans. These models have been used to investigate antimicrobial repurposing, adjunctive therapeutics and understanding the quorum sensing interactions that occur between these microbes in models that recapitulate certain aspects of the infection environment.
In summary, we are continuing to develop polymicrobial models that are standardised and can be replicated across multiple labs. These models are designed to better recapitulate the infection environment e.g., nutrient availability and oxygenation status for example, which will lead to improved research translation.
 
Learning Objectives:
1. Clarify the complexity of infections and the importance of polymicrobial biofilms.
2. Explain the importance of clinically relevant biofilm models.
3. Describe the importance of multiple endpoint assessment in polymicrobial biofilms and harnessing new analysis techniques.