My lab focuses on the interaction of biofilms and predatory prokaryotes. Most bacteria found in natural or industrial settings persist in complex microbial communities attached to surfaces or associated with interfaces (biofilms). Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the use of biological control agents against biofilms. In my lab, we are using bacteria from the genera Bdellovibrio and Micavibrio to reduce biofilms with the long term goal of harnessing the potential of these organisms in controlling biofilms both in medical and industrial settings, developing novel biological control strategies, and employing these biological systems as a means of enhancing classical biofilm control techniques. We are currently developing new methods that will allow us to understand the biology of Micavibrio spp. and Bdellovibrio spp. and identify mechanisms that are involved in predator-prey interactions. In another study, we are focusing on isolating novel antimicrobial and biofilm degrading compounds from bacteria and biofilms.
- Title
- Associate Professor
- kadourde@sdm.rutgers.edu