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Biofilms are microorganisms banded together in multicellular communities. Dental plaque and the slippery coat on a river rock are familiar examples. The connection between biofilm formation and a growing number of persistent infections such as those that can occur on artificial joints, in diabetic foot ulcers, and gum disease was explored. The discussion touched on diverse science, a bit of history, and FDA policy.

Dr. Philip Stewart is a Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and is the Director of the Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University (MSU). Throughout his career, Dr. Stewart's academic honors include Provost's Award for Undergraduate Research/Creativity Mentoring, Outstanding Research Award - Department of Chemical Engineering, Cox Faculty Award for Creative Scholarship and Teaching, MSU Alumni and Bozeman Chamber of Commerce Award of Excellence, Charles & Nora L. Wiley Faculty Award for Meritorious Research. Dr. Stewart obtained a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Rice University, and his graduate work, also in chemical engineering, was completed at Stanford University.

Dr. Stewart's research focuses on the control of detrimental microbial biofilms. Biofilms are slimy, multicellular aggregates of bacteria or yeast that form on wetted surfaces. The persistent infections associated with catheters, heart valves, periodontitis (gum disease) and burn wounds are examples of biofilms that affect human health. When microorganisms group together in biofilms they evade killing by antimicrobial agents (disinfectants, antibiotics) that easily kill their free-floating counterparts. Dr. Stewart is interested in the mechanisms that protect microbes in biofilms. These include poor penetration of antimicrobial agents, variation in the physiological activity of microorganisms with biofilms, phenotypic variation, and the activation of stress responses. Dr. Stewart has also investigated alternative strategies for controlling biofilms including anti-biofilm coatings, chemical or enzymatic degradation of the matrix holding the biofilm together, and disruption of cell-to-cell communication

 

The Café Scientifique was co-sponsored by Montana INBRE and Montana State University COBRE programs.