Effects of iron chelator on dynamics of bacterial biofilm

Iron has different functions in living beings. It is required as an irreplaceable trace element by all*cells. Iron scavenging agents (chelators) are able to modulate the response of the immune system to triggers like inflammation or infection. However, a better understanding of the discrete roles that iron and its sequestration by chelators plays at the basic cellular level is needed. Chelation Partners Inc. (CPI) has developed a family of novel iron chelators. The availability of those highly-specific iron scavenging substances makes it possible for the first time to investigate the different roles that iron plays in bacterial physiology. *The possible application of DIBI in inhibiting another important form of bacterial growth within biofilms, thereby alleviating the problems caused by biofilm growth of bacteria, has not been previously explored. The company (CPI) sees tremendous potential for new markets in developing DIBI into a product that will inhibit bacterial biofilm in the environments, but they lack the in-house capability to carry out the biofilm assays to understand the underlying mechanisms involved in DIBI. CPI requires the assistance and expertise in Microbiology and Cell Biology in Dr. Cheng's laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Dalhousie University.*The proposed NSERC Engage project is directed toward thoroughly examining how DIBI affects biofilm formation or enables biofilm disruption. More specifically, we will use multiple well-developed P. aeruginosa biofilm assays to measure the biomass of biofilm and viability of bacterial cells within biofilms.*In summary, this work will contribute to our understanding of the molecular basis of iron chelation in bacterial biofilm and contribute in the long run to improve aquaculture, environmental cleanup, and medical practices. * *