Research projects

Microbial cell wall properties.

Microbial cell wall constitutes the ultimate interface between the cell and its environment. This cell wall governs the cell shape, cell adhesion and confers resistance to external stresses. We use atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based methodologies to decipher the properties of microbial cell surfaces. AFM imaging is used to visualize the cell topography, to follow cell wall morphological changes during e.g. drug treatment and to detect the presence of appendages (pili and flagella). Through single-molecule force spectroscopy using AFM tips decorated with specific molecules, we map and probe the mechanical properties of individual biomolecules at the surface of living cells. At the single-cell level, we probe the adhesive properties of entire cells towards biotic or abiotic substrates. The overall goal with these combined approaches is to get a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing microbial cell adhesion and reactivity.

Principle of AFM-based single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS, left) and single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS, right) used to probe the properties of microbial surfaces.

Innovative antimicrobial surfaces.

Surface contamination by biofilms represents a major concern in human health and industry. We aim to develop innovative antimicrobial coating for sustainable antibiofilm surface protection. One of our strategy is based on the grafting of antimicrobial enzymes through bio-inspired approach. The goal is to preserve the enzymatic activity after grafting in order to obtain a long-term and broad-spectrum protection.

Enzymatic antimicrobial coating for sustainable antibiofilm protection.