BACKGROUND
Cutibacterium acnes is a bacteria found on human skin, that is known to cause acne and other skin conditions. Biofilms are groups of bacteria that form a protective layer, making treatment difficult. Our project aimed to grow C. acnes and improve biofilm formation using special growth conditions and media. By transforming plasmids into the bacteria, we explored new ways to enhance biofilm growth, which could have important applications in research and healthcare.
APPLICATION
Our project's focus was on growing C. acnes bacteria which successfully form biofilm, a protective layer that is made by bacteria as well as controling the biofilm production rate through regulations in the bacterium's glycogenetic pathways. The goal was to transform plasmids and study how biofilms form under the treatment of an inhibitor. We followed various steps to grow the bacteria, test its growth using spectrometry, and verify plasmid transformation through sequencing, PCR, and with gel electrophoresis. Our plasmid produced the enzyme pfk1 and was then administered to the C. acnes based biofilm and it’s degradation was tested using staining techniques.
This project uses a plasmid, a synthetic biology technique that provides very specific changes in the genetics of C. acnes. With this, the biofilm formation ability of this bacterium can be controlled. Using a plasmid inserts genes that would assist in understanding bacteria through better biofilm formation, providing a good way to test new treatments. This controlled system helps to understand biofilm better
