Projects
Experimental evolution in Candida biofilms: does drug tolerance facilitate drug resistance development in fungi?Experimental evolution in Candida biofilms: does drug tolerance facilitate drug resistance development in fungi? KU Leuven
Invasive fungal infections pose a profound and growing public health threat with treatment failure and mortality estimates often surpassing 50%. Only three major antifungal drug classes are available to treat lethal fungemia and the incidence of resistance to these drugs has risen significantly in recent years. Moreover, multidrug resistant (MDR) ‘superbugs’ like Candida auris have emerged. Despite these alarming concerns, fungal infections ...
Controlling oral biofilms trough modulation of the commensal microbiota. An alternative for antimicrobials? KU Leuven
Zebrafish as a novel model host for morphological and undiscovered immunl characteristics of in vivo Candida albicans biofilms KU Leuven
In nature, most microorganisms exist predominantly as a community of cells, called a
biofilm, where they adhere to and live on various surfaces. Cells present in such a
biofilm acquire different characteristics compared to planktonic cells, such as altered
survival, growth and virulence. The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans is also
well-known for its ability to form biofilms, both on mucosal surfaces as ...
An integrated approach to combat Staphylococcus aureus biofilms using designer enzymes KU Leuven
Interference with ecological competition in mixed species biofilms containing Salmonella KU Leuven
Penetration of antimicrobial agents into biofilms and use of quorum sensing inhibitors as novel anti-biofilm compounds Ghent University
In the present proposal we want to address three specific aims. First of all we want to obtain a clear picture about the ability of antimicrobial agents to diffuse into biofilms. Secondly, we want te develop novel inhibitors of the QS system and evaluate their ability to interfere with microbial biofilm formation. Finally, we want to develop novel carriers for antimicrobial agents (including QSI) in order to increase their efficient delivery ...
Optimized control of endodontic biofilms Ghent University
Apicale parodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory lesion surrounding the root tip of a tooth, caused by infection – under the form of microbial biofilms - of the tooth’s root canal system. This condition is mostly asymptomatic, but can result in a draining fistula, acute toothache or abscess formation. Treatment involves root canal treatment, including thorough cleaning, disinfection and sealing of the root canal system. Outcome studies however ...
Drug repurposing for inhibiting pathogenic biofilms and potentiating the activity of antibiotics Ghent University
Bacterial biofilms (BB) are clusters of bacteria embedded in their own matrix, associated with chronic infections with higher tolerance to antibiotics. Secondary messenger cyclic di-GMP (cdGMP) promotes biofilm formation and is a potential target in the BB disruption strategies. The EU-funded DRIPBEAT project aims to repurpose drugs for targeting the cdGMP pathway and biofilms, increasing the antibiotic susceptibility of clinically important ...