Initial adhesion events between pathogenic microorganisms and biotic/abiotic surfaces studied by Atomic Force Microscopy-based Single Cell Force Spectroscopy

Investigating the early steps of pathogen adhesion to host structures or medical devices is an important task of medical basic research. Once adhered to a substrate, pathogens have developed numerous strategies to strengthen that initial contact and entering a sessile stadium. In this scope, several bacterial species, like Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative staphylococci or Enterococcus spp. are capable to form microbial biofilms, in which cells are embedded in an extracellular protein or polysaccharide layer rendering the pathogens less susceptible to antibiotic treatment and the host immune response. In contrast, fungal biofilms, as exemplified by Candida albicans, are usually characterized by growing, interweaving hyphae after transitioning its growth phase from a yeast-based dissemination stage to a hyphae stage mediating pathogenicity. Protozoan parasites, on the other hand, have developed complex organelles mediating adhesion and pathogenicity. This aspect is currently investigated for the microtubule-based adhesive disk of Giardia duodenalis (synonymous: Giardia intestinalis, Giardia lamblia), which is believed to function similar to a suction cup.

Our initial adhesion studies focus mainly on Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), which has emerged as a tremendously versatile tool to study mechanical properties and adhesion forces of organisms at a cellular and subcellular level. We are utilizing AFM-based Single Cell Force Spectroscopy to characterize adhesion properties of diverse pathogens described above in various approaches. Adhesion properties of eukaryotic cells to naïve or functionalized surfaces is another major pillar of this part of IMMH research activities, which is mainly addressed by Fluid-FM technology.

We are happy to collaborate with interested colleagues and students. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.