Insights into the bacterial mechanotransduction mechanisms induced by vibrational stimuli

Nearly all living organisms can sense and respond to vibration, and microscopic organisms such as bacteria are no exception. It is well established that external vibration can affect the way in which bacteria behave, including their attachment to solid surfaces, their growth, and their ability to cause disease in humans. This is important for medicine and industry, because bacteria attaching to solid surfaces can cause disease and fouling, which can lead to contamination of foods or other industrial problems. However, the mechanisms by which bacteria perceive large scale and local vibration from their environment, and how they use this information to result in altered bacterial behaviour, is still poorly investigated. In an unprecedented interdisciplinary approach, this project aims to investigate the mechanisms that occur as a result of a super- and subcellular vibrating environment. This understanding will allow development of next generation of surfaces for long-term resistance to bacterial adhesion.