Deconstructing biofilms to understand antibiotic resistance

FUNDING: 10 weeks (full time, 37 hrs per week, £12.60 per hour, £700 consumables, £500 student accommodation bursary)
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LOCATION: York, UK
SUPERVISOR(S):

Dr. Agnes Noy, Dept. of Physics, York


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Bacterial biofilms are difficult to penetrate using antimicrobials. When combined with the increase in antibiotic resistance in many pathogens, this forms a major threat to public health and requires both antibiotics and biofilm dispersal agents in order to de-protect bacteria. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) helps to maintain biofilm integrity by forming a cross-linked lattice. However, it is not known how they interact and what types of ensembles they form. In our laboratory, we have already investigated these interactions. In this project, you will investigate the physical stabilisation of DNA meshes by proteins using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. This computational technique is widely-used in a variety of industries, including pharmacy, chemistry, biotech and medical physics. You will also acquire or improve programming skills. As this research is at the interface between biology, chemistry and physics, you will broaden your knowledge beyond your original degree specialism, and also actively contribute to project planning and experimental design. Students will need to find their own accommodation and be expected to present their findings orally at a research day in York in September 2025