Creation of a group of Excellence on Engineered Biofilms

ongoing

Biofilms are complex and dynamic structures of interface-associated microbial cells, enclosed in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. They are ubiquitous both in nature and human-built environments, greatly affecting the progression of clinical infections, environmental sustainability, and industrial processes. The complexity of these structures renders the apparently simple goal of engineering and growing reproducible biofilms as an elusive task. The main objective of this proposal is to set-up a Group of Excellence on engineered Biofilms (e.BIOFILM) at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (UPorto). e.BIOFILM will build upon the expertise and network of experts from the prospective ERA Chair holder Darla Goeres and her current employee, the Center for Biofilm Engineering of Montana State University (MSU), the most well-established centre in biofilm research in the world. In addition to research excellence in engineered biofilms, e.BIOFILM will include a thriving educational and training program, a technology transfer program that promotes innovation, and adequate communication and dissemination strategies that establishes links with the scientific community, industry, regulatory entities and the public in general in the European Research Area.