Page 58 - CIBERBBN-2015-eng

Research groups
Research Group on Microbial Adhesion
Programme: Biomaterials & Advanced Therapies Lead Researcher: González Martín, María Luisa
Group members
STAFF MEMBERS: Fernández Calderón, Ma Coronada | Pacha Olivenza, Miguel Ángel.
ASSOCIATED MEMBERS: Blanco Roca, María Teresa | Gallardo Moreno, Amparo M. | Gómez García, Antonio
Candido | Labajos Broncano, Luis | Morales Bruque, José | Pérez Giraldo, Ciro.
CONTRIBUTORS: Delgado Rastrollo, María | Perera Núñez, Julia Ma | Rodríguez Cano, Abraham | Vadillo Rodríguez, Virginia.
Main lines of research
The research line of the AM-UEx group is directed to the issue of the biomaterial-associated infections, BAI. These infections appear because of the mi- croorganisms ability for the surfaces colonization. They are one of the main reason behind the need of replacement of implants, prosthesis, catheters, etc. because the lower efficacy of antibiotics to BAI in respect other infections. In this line, we are in- terested on the initial behavior of the interaction of microorganisms with surfaces, that is, the rate and initial extension of their adhesion, and also, the bio- film growth on the material. We look for different behaviors related to the conditions of growth and / or suspension of microorganisms. Within our spe- cialty, we analyze physical and chemical properties of the surfaces of bacteria and substrate, in order
to identify the most relevant characteristics for the beginning of the bacterial colonization of the mate- rial. We look into surface electrical properties, free energy and hydrophobicity for substrata and micro- organisms, as well into the changes in the surface chemical composition. We devote special interest to the study of the consequences of the different topographical issues of the substrate surface on the bacterial adhesion. Also, we work on the genetic bases for biofilm production and the effect of anti- septics and antibiotics on them.
In a direct collaboration with the clinic practice, we work together with the Maxillofacial Surgery Service of the Infanta Cristina University Hospital in Bada- joz. We study characteristics of the explanted devic- es in relation with patient history.
58 I Annual report 2015 I CIBER-BBN