Center for Biofilm Engineering
News Update:
December 2011
Volume 14, Issue 6
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Industry Highlights
Upcoming Montana Biofilm Meeting
The winter 2012 Montana Biofilm Meeting for our industrial associate members and invited guests will be held in Bozeman MT, February 7–8 (Tuesday–Wednesday). The meeting will include sessions on biofilms and host responses, green control strategies, and oral, thermal, and industrial biofilms.
One day prior to the meeting, we will be conducting a hands-on biofilm methods workshop. Attendance to the workshop is limited. For more information on the workshop and the meeting contact Paul Sturman, CBE Industrial Coordinator, at (406) 994-2102 or paul_s@biofilm.montana.edu
Review draft meeting agenda (pdf)
Review workshop overview (pdf)
Review workshop agenda (pdf)
Young Investigator Award recipient
We are pleased to announce the Young Investigator who will be presenting his biofilm research at the upcoming Montana Biofilm Meeting (MBM) in February. Adam Roberts, lecturer, microbial diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London, England, will present “Investigations into mobile genetic elements and horizontal gene transfer within oral biofilms.”
The CBE launched the Young Investigator program in 2009 to encourage the participation of outstanding non-Montana State University biofilm investigators in our semi-annual Montana Biofilm Meetings (MBM). Targeting postdoctoral researchers and newly hired faculty, up to two investigators are invited to present research at each MBM and provided a $750 travel reimbursement and registration at the meeting.
New Industrial Associates: Bend Research and Novophage
The CBE is pleased to welcome Bend Research and Novophage to the Industrial Associate program as small business members.
Located in Bend, Oregon, Bend Research focuses on developing scientific understanding of their clients’ most challenging drug development problems and applying novel solutions to advance difficult compounds to market. They have expertise in the following capabilities and technologies: formulation science, dosage form development, process development and engineering, cGMP manufacturing, bioprocessing and biotherapeutics, and analytical sciences. Their CBE designated representative is David Lyon. Read more about Bend Research
Novophage is a venture capital-funded start-up company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Novophage is developing a disruptive biological therapy designed to increase the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments, slow the onset of antibiotic resistance, and prevent harmful biofilms. Their CBE designated representative is Michael Koeris. Read more about Novophage
View a listing of our Industrial Associate member companies
Read about membership
CBE presents latest lab results at ASTM International meeting
Diane Walker, CBE research engineer, presented the results of an inter-laboratory study to evaluate the reproducibility of the latest approved ASTM biofilm method E2799-11 “Standard Test Method for Testing Disinfectant Efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm using the MBEC Assay.” These results were submitted to the ASTM to complete the precision statement for method E2799-11, the final step in the approval process.
The purpose of this test method is to direct a user in how to grow, treat, sample, and analyze a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm using the MBEC AssayTM. The MBEC AssayTM was designed by Innovotech, Inc. as a rapid and reproducible assay for evaluating biofilm susceptibility to antibiotics. The engineering design allows for simultaneous evaluation of multiple test conditions, making it an efficient method for screening multiple disinfectants or multiple concentrations of the same disinfectant. The standardization of the method was a joint effort between Innovotech, Inc. and the Center for Biofilm Engineering Standardized Biofilm Methods Laboratory.
This is the 4th method approved by ASTM that the Center for Biofilm Engineering has helped to develop since 2002. The previous three methods include:
E2647 Drip Flow Reactor Method, first approved in 2008
E2562 CDC Biofilm Reactor Method, first approved in 2007
E2196 Rotating Disk Reactor Method, first approved in 2002
Semprus BioSciences awarded $1 million Army grant
Semprus BioSciences was awarded a $1 million US Army grant to develop anti-biofilm trauma devices for American soldiers wounded in battle. Semprus BioSciences has been a CBE industrial member since March 2010. Read the complete press release
Kane Biotech receives approval for hard surface disinfectant
Kane Biotech Inc., a biotechnology company engaged in the development and commercialization of products that prevent and remove microbial biofilms, received approval by The Therapeutic Products Directorate of Health Canada to manufacture and market their KBI Antibacterial Disinfectant for the Canadian household domestic use market. Kane has been a member of the CBE since September 2008. Read the complete press release
Coming in January: Free webinar on biofilm control in industrial settings
Paul Sturman, CBE industrial coordinator, will present a free webinar, “Biofilm control in industrial settings,” on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 from 1:00pm–2:30pm EST. Paul will address industrial biofilm problems including:
-How biofilms develop and proliferate
-Solving biofilm related problems
-Developing new products for the control of biofilm
This webinar will benefit anyone wanting a better understanding of biofilms including professionals involved in:
-Disinfectants and antimicrobials
-Water quality and waste water treatment
-Food sanitation
-Environmental remediation
-Oil & gas water processes
-Medical devices
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Research Highlights
CBE's new microscopes offer MSU researchers expanded imaging capabilities
Two Leica confocal microscope systems recently installed at the Center for Biofilm Engineering provide a vastly upgraded Research Core Facility available to the Montana State University (MSU) research community. As one of nine designated Research Core Facilities shared on the MSU campus, the CBE microscope facility contributes to cutting edge research and student opportunities for hands-on research using the latest confocal imaging technologies. Staffed by a full-time microscope facilities manager Betsey Pitts, the CBE microscope facility is a centerpiece of the student research experience and training infrastructure at the CBE.
Read about the imaging capabilities of the new microscopes
CBE PhD student studies coal bed methane production to help hometown economy
Elliott Barnhart, CBE PhD student, microbiology, was recently featured by Montana State University for his ability to balance the roles of award-winning collegiate athlete, student, and civic-minded researcher. Elliott hails from Broadus, Montana, a small southeastern town located in the Powder River Basin, the largest source of coal mined in the United States. Elliott is studying microorganisms that produce coal bed methane deep underground in order to learn how a combination of microorganisms that live in coal bed seams work together to produce methane, a natural gas resource. If he figures that out, industry should be able to produce more methane, in a environmentally friendly way, and create more jobs, specifically in his hometown.
Read the full MSU News story: "Former MSU football player hopes his research will benefit Eastern Montana"
CBE undergrads receive MSU fellowships for biofilm research
Undergraduate research is a high priority at Montana State University. To meet that priority, the university offers the Undergraduate Scholars Program (USP) providing funding opportunities for students who wish to collaborate with faculty on a research project. The program encourages undergraduate funding for scholarly work in all disciplines. Recent projects that have received funding range from bioprospecting in Yellowstone National Park to religious and cultural factors affecting religious architecture. Three CBE undergraduate students recently received fellowships for their biofilm research:
Melis Penic, Chemical and Biological Engineering
“Characterization of extracellular polysaccharides in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms using fluorescent probes”
Faculty/Mentor: Mike Franklin; Microbiology, Center for Biofilm Engineering
Amber Schmit, Chemical and Biological Engineering
“Microstructure of cryoconite granules and associated biofilm communities”
Faculty/Mentor: Christine Foreman, Heidi Smith, Betsey Pitts; Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Center for Biofilm Engineering
Erin Smith, Chemistry and Biochemistry
“Characterization of active sites in the alginate epimerase: AlgG”
Faculty/Mentor: Mike Franklin; Microbiology, Center for Biofilm Engineering
In the Media
The CBE garnered the cover image and feature article in the September 2011 issue of Microscopy Today. The cover image, obtained with a confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM) by Logan Schultz and Betsey Pitts of the CBE, shows four reconstructed digital image slices through clusters of Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria growing around calcium carbonate precipitates inside a glass capillary.
Read the article in the September issue of Microscopy Today, Sep 2011; (19)5: 12-15.
Latest CBE Publications
“An in vitro model for the growth and analysis of chronic wound MRSA biofilms”
Agostinho AM, Hartman A, Lipp C, Parker AE, Stewart PS, James GA
J Appl Microbiol 2011; 111(5):1275–1282
Read abstract
“Comparing the chlorine disinfection of detached biofilm clusters with those of sessile biofilms and planktonic cells in single and dual-species cultures”
Behnke S, Parker AE, Woodall D, Camper AK
Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77(20):7176–7184
Read abstract
“Antimicrobial penetration and efficacy in an in vitro oral biofilm model”
Corbin A, Pitts B, Parker A, Stewart PS
Antimicrob Agents, Chemother 2011; 55(7):3338–3344
Read abstract
“The importance of a multifaceted approach to characterizing the microbial flora of chronic wounds”
Han A, Zenilman JM, Melendez JH, Shirtliff ME, Agostinho A, James GA, Stewart PS, Mongodin EF, Rao D, Rickard AH, Lazarus GS
Wound Rep Reg 2011; 19(5):532–541
Read abstract
“In vitro efficacy of bismuth thiols against biofilms formed by bacteria isolated from human chronic wounds”
Folsom JP, Baker B, Stewart PS
J Appl Microbiol 2011; 111(4):989–996
Read abstract
“Efficacy of zosteric acid sodium salt on the yeast biofilm model Candida albicans”
Villa F, Pitts B, Stewart PS, Giussani B, Roncoroni S, Albanese D, Giordano C, Tunesi M,
Cappitelli F
Microb Ecol 2011; 62(3):584–598
Read abstract
View publications database
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Education
MSU's Engineers Without Borders receives national award recognizing student efforts in Kenya
Montana State University's student-led chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB at MSU) was named the winner of the prestigious C. Peter Magrath University Community Engagement Award by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. MSU was recognized for the contributions its students have made in bringing clean water to a region in Kenya.
Several CBE faculty and students are involved in the EWB-MSU chapter including Otto Stein, professor, civil engineering, who serves as an advisor and Jeff Moss, undergraduate, civil engineering, current chapter president .
Read more at MSU News: http://www.montana.edu/cpa/news/nwview.php?article=10524
Learn more about EWB at MSU at their web site: http://www.ewb-msu.org/index.php
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Outreach
CBE's Christine Foreman brings climate literacy to the classroom
CBE faculty, Christine Foreman, associate research professor, land resources and environmental science, presented “Bringing climate literacy to the classroom,” at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA)-sponsored Climate Student Summit, at Little Bighorn College located on the Crow Reservation in southeastern Montana, October 20–21 2011. The workshop, organized by Susan Kelly, education and outreach coordinator, land resources and environmental science, brought together 47 Montana educators to learn hands-on science activities for the classroom.
Industrial Visitors
Industry representatives from the following companies met with CBE faculty and staff in October and November:
Orenda Technologies—Dallas, Texas
Newmont Mining Corporation—Greenwood Village, CO
Stratatech Corporation—Madison, WI
Periodontal Specialists of Montana—Billings, MT
Biocomposites—Denver, CO
Water Solutions Unlimited—Franklin, TN
Representatives from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) visited the CBE on November 7th and 8th. They met with Matthew Fields, associate professor, microbiology, and Al Cunningham, professor, civil engineering, to discuss research collaboration on microbially enhanced coal bed methane production. A memorandum of understanding is now being prepared between the USGS and CBE.
Visiting Scientists
The CBE welcomed Lucy Qi as a visiting postdoctoral research scientist in October. She will be working with Phil Stewart and Mike Franklin on the role of protein repair mechanisms in maintaining bacteria dormancy in biofilms. Lucy is an attending medical doctor at the Chongqing Medical University and Children's Hospital in Chongqing, China, where she works with newborns in the neonatal unit. Though she has traveled extensively throughout China, this is Lucy’s first visit to the United States.
CBE Tours
Ann Willis, CBE technical operations manager, led a lab tour on November 10th for Makiko Diehl, MSU Office of International Programs, and two international visitors—Mr. Daiju Tsuya and Mr. Yoshikazu Watanabe from the National Institute for Material Sciences (NIMS) in Tsukuba, Japan. The group was impressed by the interaction of the CBE’s interdisciplinary team of students, faculty, and staff. NIMS is a public institute that is committed to the globalization of material research and establishment of research networks targeting the realization of a sustainable society by reinforcing relationships and exchanges with other research institutes around the world as a core research institute of material science.
CBE People in Action
Kara De León, PhD student, microbiology, was a translation ambassador, providing English as a Second Language (ESL) assistance, during meeting registration and session breaks at the 19th International Biohydrometallurgy Symposium, Changsha, China, September 18–22, 2011.
Robin Gerlach, associate professor, chemical & biological engineering, presented “Utility of biofilms and biologically induced mineralization in biotechnology and geologic carbon sequestration,” 8th European Congress of Chemical Engineering/1st European Congress of Applied Biotechnology, Berlin, Germany, September 25–29, 2011.
Juliana D’Andrilli, postdoctoral research associate, presented the poster “Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide ice core,” 2011 WAIS Divide Meeting, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, La Jolla, California, September 27–29, 2011.
Co-authors: Foreman CM, Priscu J, McConnell J
The following CBE faculty and PhD students presented research at the Algae Biomass Summit, Minneapolis, MN, October 23–27, 2011:
Ross Carlson, assistant professor, chemical & biological engineering, presented “A synthetic microbial community design based on syntrophic metabolite exchange.”
Reed Taffs, PhD student, chemical & biological engineering, presented “Proteomic, physiological, and in silico testing of economic tradeoffs in metabolic networks.”
Rob Gardner, PhD student, chemical & biological engineering, presented the poster “A chemical trigger for inducing triacylglycerol accumulation in algae.”
Kris Hunt, PhD student, chemical & biological engineering, presented the poster “Fungal processes for direct bioconversion of cellulose to hydrocarbons.”
The following CBE faculty participated in the 2011 International Water Association (IWA) Biofilm conference in Shanghai, China, October 27–30, 2011:
Zbigniew Lewandowski, professor, civil engineering, served as chairman of the program committee, the session on “Biofouling and biofilm control,” and the management committee meeting. Additionally, he was moderator of the plenary discussion and member of the organizing committee.
Isaac Klapper, professor, mathematical sciences, presented “Discrete speciation of microbial species in continuously varying environments.”
Tianyu Zhang, assistant professor, mathematical sciences, presented “Modeling of biocide action against biofilms.”
Isaac Klapper , professor, mathematical sciences, presented “Modeling of microbial biofilms and mats,” Department of Mathematics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, October 27–30, 2011.
Juliana D’Andrilli, postdoctoral research associate, assisted with experimentation and data processing on the Cotton Glacier project, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, FL, October 29–November 6, 2011.
Darla Goeres, assistant research professor, chemical & biological engineering, facilitated a discussion on the current biofilm method going through the review and approval process with the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM): “Standard test method for testing disinfectant efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm grown in the CDC biofilm reactor using the single tube method.” ASTM E35.15 Subcommittee meeting, Tampa, FL, November 1–4, 2011.
Anne Camper, professor, civil engineering, as an invited speaker presented the following research at the AWWA Water Quality Technology Conference, Phoenix, AZ, November 12–17, 2011:
“Ramping up for CCL3 pathogens—Data resources and data gaps,” at the Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment: New Applications, New Techniques, and Taking Stock of Challenges workshop.
“Biofilm control: Nutrients, disinfection, and pipe materials,” at the special session on Microbial Water Quality at the Tap: An Emerging Issue.
Al Cunningham, professor, civil engineering, presented a seminar on biofilm modeling, Department of Mathematics, University of Texas-Arlington, Dallas, TX, November 17–19, 2011.
Fond Farewell
At the end of December 2011, the CBE will say farewell to longtime staff member Margie Hansen, accounting analyst. Margie began working at the center as an accounting technician in February 2000. Her attention to detail and loyalty to the CBE made her a very valuable asset to the organization. Margie is retiring alongside her husband Lloyd, also a longtime MSU staff member. Their retirement allows Margie the opportunity to spend more time with her family, friends, and much loved horses. Even though we will miss Margie very much, we wish her and her husband much success in their new endeavor.
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Job Opportunities
Please download the position descriptions you are interested in. The files will not be kept indefinitely on our website.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation: Scientist internship
Scientist internship (pdf) (posted 10/31/2011)
Kimberly-Clark Corporation: Scientist III position
Scientist III (pdf) (posted 10/24/2011)
Binghamton University: Faculty position
Faculty position opening (pdf) (posted 10/21/2011)
California State University Northridge: Faculty position
Faculty position opening (pdf) (posted 10/07/11)
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