Research tools and coverage
We have developed systemic approaches in our laboratory to study clinical biofilms and microorganism-device interactions at human-device interfaces. We start from in vitro assessment, using biofilm assays closely mimicking clinical environments for biofilm formation and migration, such as drip-flow biofilm reactor assay, CDC-biofilm reactor assay, and tunnel-based biofilm assay. We then validate our in vitro findings using small animal models including mouse subcutaneous biofilm model and percutaneous implantation model. We are also capable of conducting large animal studies using pig or sheep.
Our research has a broad coverage of microbial pathogens, including Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and mixed microorganisms, and various disease models. Details can be found below
- Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococci, and Enterobacter faecalis
- Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and E. coli
- Fungal pathogens Candida albicans and other non-albicans species
- Polymicrobial biofilm infections
- Ventricular assist device driveline infections
- Cardiovascular implantable electronic device infections
- Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis
- Catheter-related urinary tract infections
- Catheter-related bloodstream infections
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