SULSA ECR Prize

My research aims to develop innovative strategies to combat microbial biofilms. Biofilms are
complex communities consisting of bacteria and fungi which adhere to surfaces and embed
themselves within a self-produced extracellular matrix. Recent estimates suggest that biofilms
cause the majority of human infections, which is problematic due to their increased resistance
towards antibiotic and antimicrobial therapy. Therefore, it is essential to explore treatments that
can directly target microorganisms in their biofilm-embedded state and develop accurate test beds
for more appropriate screening of novel compounds. To date, I have studied biofilms related to
catheter-related bloodstream infections, gum-disease and sexual health. Currently during my
postdoctoral research at Glasgow Caledonian University, I have developed a clinically relevant
multispecies biofilm model to study bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition that affects over 25% of
women of childbearing age and has significant sequelae including increased risk of miscarriage and
Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance
Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow,
Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, G61 1QH
pre-term birth. As a novel treatment strategy for these biofilms, I have demonstrated that
bacteriophage-derived endolysin proteins can selectively kill pathogens within this polymicrobial
biofilm without any off-target effects on beneficial bacteria. These findings provide new insights
into how to treat BV-associated biofilms and restore a healthy microbial balance, with potential
implications for other biofilm-related diseases.
2.2 Please detail your research vision – max 500