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Targeting the Biofilm for Drug Design: Modelling the roles and impacts of extracellular matrix composition in a mixed species bacterial biofilm

This PhD project focuses on modeling bacterial biofilms, which are protective colonies that bacteria use to shield themselves from therapeutic molecules like antibiotics. The project specifically examines the polysaccharide extracellular matrices of multi-species biofilms, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, two dangerous pathogens linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The research will model the polysaccharide structures of multi-species biofilms, exploring interactions and partitioning behavior of biofilm components, and examining how quorum sensing molecules and nutrients move through overlapping matrices. This knowledge will inform rational design and modification of antibiotics targeted against extracellular enzymes that maintain the glycocalyx. The project is entirely computational in nature, using computer-aided drug design and working on the University of Leeds' High-Performance Computer, Aire. It suits students with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, materials, mathematics, biology, or microbiology who are interested in computational methods.