C2D2 Research 5a - Predatory bacteria as a new antimicrobial strategy

Antimicrobial resistance is putting lives at risk. Although more antibiotics are being developed, common pathogens can quickly acquire resistance. We propose an alternative to the standard (chemical) treatment of common bacterial pathogens: predatory bacteria. These micro-organisms are frequently part of healthy gut flora, and prey on potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Many key details about their life cycle remain obscure. We will initiate a study in collaboration with a world-expert on the microbiology of predatory bacteria (Prof. Liz Sockett, University of Nottingham) and harness modern biophysical techniques such as high-resolution fluorescence microscopy and holographic imaging to assess how the predators locate and consume their prey.