Continuous-flow model for microbial populations associated with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) & Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

An academic partnerhas developed a continuous-flow model forin vitro cultivation of mixed microbial populations associated withCystic Fibrosis (CF) and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are seeking industry partners who are addressing this type of polymicrobial problem.

The airways of people with CF provide a nutrient-rich environment which favours colonisation by a variety of bacteria and fungi. Although the dominant pathogen associated with CF airway infections is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, it is becoming increasingly clear that inter-species interactions between P. aeruginosa and other colonists in the airways may have a large impact on microbial physiology and virulence.

However, there are currently no suitable experimental models that permit long-term co-culture of P. aeruginosa with other CF-associated pathogens and our academic partner has created a system that allows them to maintain polymicrobial cultures with stable steady state compositions, something that no other researchers have accomplished.

Further details of this research can be found here.