BIOFILMS. Research Center for Biointerfaces. With focus on Surfaces in Clinical and Industrial applications

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1 BIOFILMS Research Center for Biointerfaces With focus on Surfaces in Clinical and Industrial applications

2 2 - Biofilms Research Center Biofilms Research Center - 3 Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces is a multidisciplinary research center at Malmö University within Materials Science and Life Science with long experience of actively working in collaboration with industry partners and responding to their needs. Research areas The center s broad expertise of biomolecular interactions and reactions at biological surfaces spans from theoretical modelling to the field of clinical science. We concentrate on three overlapping core areas of research: Foto: Länge Leve kommunikation AB/Amanda Englund Biobarriers and pharmaceutical design Biofilms at interfaces Smart materials at interfaces Grafisk form, layout och produktion: Malmö universitet inhouse Tryck: Tryckservice AB, Ängelholm 2018

3 4 - Biofilms Research Center Biofilms Research Center - 5 Our vision Shaping novel solutions for improved health through excellent science in partnership with industry.

4 6 - Biofilms Research Center Biofilms Research Center - 7» The center has a unique focus on biofilms and biointerfaces from a multidisciplinary perspective «What is a Biofilm? The term biofilm is most commonly used to describe microbial communities of cells that are attached to each other or a surface and are frequently embedded within a self-produced matrix. In a biofilm, microorganisms can communicate with each other and often have distinctive phenotypes. The layers or films of biomolecules are also called biofilms one example is the saliva pellicle, which is a film formed by salivary components. What is a Biointerface? Biointerface refers to the intersection between two phases where at least one is of a biological origin, such as a microorganisms, cells, biomolecules or tissue. Biointerface science includes biology, chemistry and physics, and the complex nature of biointerfaces often results in multidisciplinary research that requires the contribution of scientists from different disciplines.

5 8 - Biofilms Research Center Biofilms Research Center - 9 Biobarriers and pharmaceutical design Biobarriers We focus on advancing knowledge of the key physicochemical properties of biointerfaces, and how they determine the interactions with biomolecules in solutions. To achieve this, we develop biomimetic systems that, in a simple and reproducible manner, aim to mimic specific biobarriers. Among the biobarriers of interest are cellular membranes, plant cell walls and blood vessels. We apply these biomimetic systems in ways that improve our understanding of the onset and treatment of various diseases including atherosclerosis and bacterial infections. Hydration of biological interfaces, biomolecules and nanoporous materials The functional properties of biological and nano-materials are strongly dependent on their interaction with the surrounding environment, where the presence of water in the form of liquid or vapour is inevitable. We focus on nanoporous materials, such as mesoporous silica, and study their hydration, characterisation and interactions with organic and biomolecules. We also study the hydration of carbohydrate materials, for example, cellulose. In the drug delivery field, our work involves the interactions of solid excipients with water, the hydration of proteins, the hydration and phase transitions of lipids and the hydration of biological barriers. Mucosal drug delivery In pharmaceutical technology, there is an urgent need to rationally design new drug delivery systems that can effectively improve existing medicines and provide patient benefits. In this context, we have previously shown that nanoporous silica particles (NSPs) possess specific unique properties that may be utilised in pharmaceutical technology as a functional excipient to enhance drug bioavailability. We believe that our work will advance innovative drug delivery technology towards a clinical perspective Transdermal drug delivery The skin is an attractive alternative to oral drug delivery methods because it avoids first-pass metabolic degradation. In the successful delivery of transdermal drugs, two common strategies to overcome the skin barrier are to increase skin hydration and to add a penetration enhancer. Our research focuses on how hydration affects skin permeability, with and without penetration enhancers. Our approach is to combine several experimental methods to gain both macroscopic- and molecular-scale knowledge of how hydration and penetration enhancers influence the stratum corneum.

6 10 - Biofilms Research Center Biofilms Research Center - 11 Biofilms at interfaces Oral microbial biofilms In any environment, macromolecules and microorganisms have a strong tendency to associate with surfaces and form adherent microbial communities (biofilms) which are now recognised as the cause of most infectious diseases. We explore the mechanisms involved in biosis and dysbiosis using clinically-derived microbes in flow-cell models of the oral cavity and perform functional analyses of microbial biofilms with fluorescent substrates using confocal microscopy, proteomics and mass spectrometry. Our goal is to understand the mechanisms with which oral bacteria acquire virulence in biofilms and to identify key points of intervention in this process for the development of future anti-microbials that target disease-inducing properties in biofilms rather than specific microorganisms. Biotherapeutics We aim to discover novel microbiome biomarkers for the prediction of oral disease as well as those that can identify oral health. Bacterial proteases are a driving force in the inflammatory responses of both periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. Our goal is to develop advanced technological tools based on an array of biomarkers (bacterial proteases and inflammatory mediators) to help identify the individuals who are at risk of severe alveolar bone loss as well as predict and treat periodontal disease and its associated inflammatory disorders. We expect that reliable biomarkers will lead to health benefits and an increase in the cost-effectiveness of oral healthcare. The relation between atherosclerosis and periodontal infections Modified LDL has been suggested as a way to initiate the formation of atherosclerosis by inducing an inflammatory reaction in the vessel wall. Here, we focus on the relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. Our findings, along with those of others, suggest that a common periodontal pathogen can modify LDL and HDL to an atherogenic form during translocation in circulating blood thus supporting a role for periodontal disease in the development of atherosclerosis. We aim to identify key virulence factors and host mediators involved in disease development and to find biomarkers as targets for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for periodontal and cardiovascular disease. Saliva research Our main focus is the study of salivary pellicles, which is the film of nanometric dimensions that forms immediately when saliva comes into contact with almost any type of surface. Pellicles play an important role in the maintenance of oral health, as they protect and lubricate oral surfaces. Our aim is for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying salivary lubrication. Another focus is on the mechanisms underlying the protection offered by salivary pellicles against dental erosion and how this can be improved by complementing acidic beverages with anti-erosive compounds. New methods and instruments We are developing instruments that will allow structural studies of very thin and soft films under load and shear by means of neutron scattering and reflectometry. This is being carried out in collaboration with ESS and the two other big neutron facilities in Europe. We expect that this will be useful to apply in a broad range of fields, as soft-matter thin films are ubiquitous both in natural and artificial systems, for example, in the macromolecular layers that are often found at the solid/liquid interface in colloidal dispersions and biomedical implants.

7 12 - Biofilms Research Center Biofilms Research Center - 13 Smart materials at interfaces Artficial biomimicry Biomimicry (defined as the imitation of life or nature) is used in biomedicine and biotechnology to develop novel treatments and diagnostic methods. In addition to the biomimetic systems described under Biobarriers above, we focus on the development of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), or so-called plastic antibodies. These may be used for the identification and diagnosis of various diseases including cancer, atherosclerosis and bacterial infections. Cancer diagnostics Finding new and better ways to diagnose and treat cancer is one of the most pressing tasks for researchers today. We use molecularly imprinted polymers to detect, sense and image previously inaccessible tumour markers and discover novel disease biomarkers with the aim of detecting cancer at an early stage. Biosensors and implantable bioelectronics Our research on biosensors and implantable bioelectronics focuses on the development of specific analytical devices and methods for monitoring clinically relevant analytes and biomarkers as well as the development of potentially implantable electric power devices. It includes the synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials, the development of novel sensing and power-generating principles, and the assessment of biosensor and biofuel cell performance in clinical and implantable situations. We have exploited biosensor approaches for the investigation of processes at biological barriers, tested enzymatic fuel cells in human blood under homeostatic conditions and revealed a new type of bioelectronic device, the so-called self-charging biosupercapacitor. We also aim to develop the reliable bioelectrochemical measurement of skin inflammation and cancer. Mathematical modelling Scientific computing and simulations of phenomena on the micro- and macroscopic scale is a field of great importance in modern science. General mathematical techniques such as differential equations combined with computational methods allow for a broad range of applications. Our main focus is on three areas: computational quantum physics, modelling of infectious diseases and resonance spectrum for stratified media. Biodegradable implants The treatment of bone fractures and bone defects often requires the placement of metal plates or screws that joins the broken bones and allows them to heal. They are typically made of titanium or stainless steel, which functions well to stabilise the bone. However, as these plates or screws remain in the body, they can cause pain or other complications and often require the patients to undergo more surgery to remove the metal. We are studying implants made of magnesium a metal with good mechanical properties because it dissolves in the body over time without any adverse effects. New methods and instruments In collaboration with MAX IV, we are building sample environments to be used in tomography synchrotron beamlines. This will allow the study of how changes in the ambient conditions effect, for example, the structure and morphology of samples that have synthetic or biological origins. We are also developing methods for monitoring the interaction of formulations that comprise, for example, microparticles with biological barriers. These methods have a clear application in noninvasive drug delivery

8 14 - Biofilms Research Center Biofilms Research Center - 15 Applications and impact of our research New generation of oral implant surfaces to promote tissue integration and prevent biofilm formation Diagnostic tools and biomarkers for cancer using molecularly imprinted polymers Increased knowledge for making better cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations for topical use Biosensors and bioelectronic devices for advanced biomedical analysis and technology Biomarkers of biointerfaces using novel instrumentation at neutron and synchrotron beamlines Characterisation of biointerfaces using novel instrumentation at neutron and synchrotron beamlines More specific clinical markers for atherosclerosis New pharmaceutical and probiotic formulations with high performance and increased stability Power biodevices as sustainable and emission-free energy sources Biodegradable implants that can be absorbed by the body thus avoiding secondary surgery

9 Contacts Therése Nordström Director, Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces Magdalena Almén Coordinator, Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces mau.se/brcb