(i) Transfer of catabolic plasmids in biofilms
Due to the high cell density in biofilms, transfer of genetic information via mechanisms such as conjugation and transformation is likely to occur in. In fact, conjugative transfer of plasmids (horizontal gene transfer mediated by cell to cell contact) has been reported in bacterial biofilms from various environments and is considered a significant factor in the spread of antibiotic resistance plasmids. We study how environmental conditions influence biofilms and consequently also the transfer, maintenance and dissemination of plasmids.
Graduate students: Matthew Starek (graduated), Floriana Postelnik and Farhana Shamsad
Funding: NSERC-Discovery Grant, 2008-2013
(ii) Microbial fuel cells: structure and function of electrode-associated biofilms
Generation of bioelectricity from biological processes utilizing wastewater as substrate is a promising eco-friendly option with respect to both energy production and waste minimization. The project aims to examine the feasibility of bioelectricity production from wastewater as substrate employing microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. We investigate the composition and function of biofilms associated with anodes in microbial fuel cells.
Graduate student: Laura Berthiaume
Co-PI: Gideon Wolfaardt (Ryerson)
Collaborators: Venkata Mohan (Indian Institute of Chemical Technology), Bruce Rittmann (Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University)
Funding: Ryerson International Initiatives Fund
(iii) Development of designer microbial consortia for bioconversion of cellulose to energy and value-added products
Biological conversion of plant biomass to organic fuels, hydrogen, and other high-value co-products,represents a viable alternative to fossil fuels. In this project we aim at enriching and characterizing microbial consortia employable in bioconversion of cellulose to useful products.
Graduate students: Patrick Ronan and Augustyna Dobosz
Co-PIs: David Levin and Richard Sparling (U of Manitoba), Josh Neufeld (U of Waterloo), Gideon Wolfaardt (Ryerson)
Funding: NSERC-Strategic Project Grant, 2009-2012
(iv) Assessing and managing biofilms in drinking water distribution systems
Biofilm growth is being assessed in seven drinking water utilities located across North America in order to provide a broader knowledge base for biofilm guidelines.
Graduate Student: Sharon Waller (Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; [email protected])
Co-PI: Aaron Packman (Northwestern)
Funding: Water Research Foundation, Project 4087 (2008-2010).
Due to the high cell density in biofilms, transfer of genetic information via mechanisms such as conjugation and transformation is likely to occur in. In fact, conjugative transfer of plasmids (horizontal gene transfer mediated by cell to cell contact) has been reported in bacterial biofilms from various environments and is considered a significant factor in the spread of antibiotic resistance plasmids. We study how environmental conditions influence biofilms and consequently also the transfer, maintenance and dissemination of plasmids.
Graduate students: Matthew Starek (graduated), Floriana Postelnik and Farhana Shamsad
Funding: NSERC-Discovery Grant, 2008-2013
(ii) Microbial fuel cells: structure and function of electrode-associated biofilms
Generation of bioelectricity from biological processes utilizing wastewater as substrate is a promising eco-friendly option with respect to both energy production and waste minimization. The project aims to examine the feasibility of bioelectricity production from wastewater as substrate employing microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. We investigate the composition and function of biofilms associated with anodes in microbial fuel cells.
Graduate student: Laura Berthiaume
Co-PI: Gideon Wolfaardt (Ryerson)
Collaborators: Venkata Mohan (Indian Institute of Chemical Technology), Bruce Rittmann (Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University)
Funding: Ryerson International Initiatives Fund
(iii) Development of designer microbial consortia for bioconversion of cellulose to energy and value-added products
Biological conversion of plant biomass to organic fuels, hydrogen, and other high-value co-products,represents a viable alternative to fossil fuels. In this project we aim at enriching and characterizing microbial consortia employable in bioconversion of cellulose to useful products.
Graduate students: Patrick Ronan and Augustyna Dobosz
Co-PIs: David Levin and Richard Sparling (U of Manitoba), Josh Neufeld (U of Waterloo), Gideon Wolfaardt (Ryerson)
Funding: NSERC-Strategic Project Grant, 2009-2012
(iv) Assessing and managing biofilms in drinking water distribution systems
Biofilm growth is being assessed in seven drinking water utilities located across North America in order to provide a broader knowledge base for biofilm guidelines.
Graduate Student: Sharon Waller (Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; [email protected])
Co-PI: Aaron Packman (Northwestern)
Funding: Water Research Foundation, Project 4087 (2008-2010).