Our research consists of characterizing the mechanical properties of environmental biofilms using the optical coherence and elastography technique. We aim to understand and predict how biofilm composition and structure correlate to mechanical properties. Ultimately, this knowledge will be leveraged to enhance or eliminate different biofilms, depending on the application.
Okay, for the specific focus of characterizing the mechanical properties of biofilms, we have Rheometry, we have non-indentation, atomic force microscopy. We also have some new developmental techniques, for example, like optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers, digital image correlation, and a host of others. Most of the previously used techniques either focus on overall mechanical property measurements, overlooking those at the mesoscale, or highly localized measurements that are not relevant at the mesoscale.
And the mesoscale is crucial because that is the level that is relevant to the physical attributes of biofilms. First, we've adapted the optical clearance elastography technique to characterize the mechanical properties of environmental biofilms. In this context, we've developed the methods, we've also developed inverse modeling tools to be able to deal with layered viscoelastic properties and also to analyze the complex microstructure of biofilms.
Our group is interested in quantifying the mechanical properties of biofilms from wastewater treatment plants, so we're interested in learning what factors impact the stability and performance of biofilms. For example, does the stiffness of a biofilm impact the rate of sloughing?
