(Monday’s/9.30H/CEB anfitheatre)
Idalina Machado, Proteomic and phenotypic view of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance due to antimicrobial stress
Pre-doctoral defense
Several studies have recognised that bacteria present higher resistance to antimicrobials when switching from planktonic to biofilm mode of life. However, the phenotypic and proteomic changes associated with the reduced susceptibility of biofilms to antimicrobials are still poorly described. The goal of this work was to extend the understanding about the biofilm-augmented tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen that exhibits intrinsic resistance to several antimicrobial agents, and shows great aptitude to acquire adaptive resistance to environmental pressures. The experimental analysis was two-fold: a phenotypical examination comprising the initial adhesion ability, biofilm formation and susceptibility to antimicrobial agents, and a proteomic characterisation of the outer membrane (OM) proteins in planktonic and biofilm modes of growth. This work contributed significantly to the phenotypic and proteomic understanding of P. aeruginosa biofilm tolerance. It was concluded that resistance is strain-dependent and in close association with the surrounding environmental stresses. Moreover, the exposure to environmental stressors dictated P. aeruginosa recalcitrance and enhancement of bacteria virulence factors. This knowledge will undoubtedly assist the development of new and more effective strategies to control biofilm formation and treatment regimens to eradicate biofilm-growing bacteria.
Paulo Maia An integrated computational environment for elementary modes analysis of biochemical networks
