Natural Products and Microbial Communities
Our Research
“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.” Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
Microbial Biofilms The Human Microbiome
A biofilm is defined as a community of microorganisms attached to an inert or living surface, covered by a self-produced polymeric matrix, which is mainly made of polysaccharide material.
Pathogenic microbes within biofilms are tolerant to antibiotics, detergents and the attacks of the immune system. Therefore, they are considered a serious hazard for chronic wounds, burns, medical implants and surfaces in hospital or food processing environments. |
The human microbiome is the aggregate of microorganisms that resides on or within any of a number of human tissues and biofluids.
We are dependent on these microbes to help digest our food, produce certain vitamins and enzymes, regulate our immune system, and keep us healthy by protecting us against disease-causing bacteria. Our gut microbes have been associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases, allergies, cancer, obesity, Type 1 and 2 diabetes, serious cardiovascular disease and mental health. Our skin microorganisms protect against pathogens and improve wound healing, skin health and ageing. |