The Role of Polymer-Mediated Cohesion in Bacterial Suspensions
The Role of Polymer-Mediated Cohesion in Bacterial Suspensions
- Event time: 1:00pm until 2:00pm
- Event date: 3rd April 2017
- Speaker: Dr. Gavin Melaugh (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
- Location: Room 2511, James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB) James Clerk Maxwell Building Peter Guthrie Tait Road Edinburgh EH9 3FD GB
Event details
The ability of some strains of bacteria to self assemble into free-floating aggregates in liquid media has inspired numerous computational and theoretical studies in the field of active matter. Consequently, we have gained a deeper theoretical understanding of how motility, cell shape, and chemical signalling might influence aggregation. Bacteria also modulate their environment via the active secretion of macromolecules. In particular the production of polymers is thought to be crucial for cell-cell cohesion and surface-adhesion in bacterial biofilms, yet there has been little emphasis on the role of such polymers in the formation of suspended bacterial aggregates in liquid media.
In this talk, I will present results from aggregation experiments on the model biofilm organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa and discuss the importance of polymer production in its ability to form free-floating aggregates in liquid media. If time permits, I will also present a simulation model, inspired by polymer-mediated cohesion in this system, that gives rise to some interesting phase separation behaviour.
About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars
This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..