Binghamton University researcher
discovers molecule that may help combat biofilms

Dr. David Davies

In the late 1990s, Dr. David Davies, a microbiologist at Binghamton University, discovered that bacteria communicate with each other. These communication molecules are part of what makes the formation of biofilms, or colonies of microorganisms that include bacteria, possible. Now he has built upon that research and isolated a molecule that takes advantage of that cell-to-cell communication and can tell the biofilm to disperse, or break apart. The bacteria are then much more susceptible to treatment with antibiotics or by the body's own immune system. Being able to successfully disperse these biofilm colonies may mean that doctors will have a greater weapon in the fight against a number of diseases.

In this YouTube video by WSKG, David Davies, assistant professor of biology at Binghamton University, describes biofilms and experiments underway to learn more about them:

This series of slides illustrates the formation of biofilms and the effects of the dispersion molecule that Dr. Davies has discovered:

Article from 2001 on Dr. David Davies’ work on bacteria communication

Article on Dr. David Davies’ discovery of the biofilm dispersion molecule

Biofilms - A new understanding of these microbial communities is driving a revolution that may transform the science of microbiology

A 2001 article that explains more about biofilm development and bacterial communication (note: contains some outdated information)