Structural biology of the regulatory mechanism of biofilm formation by cyanobacteria
Abstract
Cyanobacterial biofilms are potentially beneficial to the U.S. Air Force as a source ofnext-generation biofuels, fuel cells, and bioplastics, and for bioremediation of contaminatedsites. Because it is not known how cyanobacteria regulate production of biofilms, filling this gapin knowledge is expected to benefit efforts toward practical applications. Thus, the objective ofthe LiWang lab is to elucidate the structural biology of proteins involved in the regulation ofbiofilm production. They have teamed up with cyanobacterial and biofilm experts Drs. SusanGolden at UC San Diego and Rakefet Schwarz at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. Together, thesethree labs are tackling cyanobacterial biofilm regulation at the protein, genetic, and populationlevels with the expectation that their discoveries will enhance the usefulness of cyanobacteria asa source of biofilms for diverse purposes. STEM activities by the LiWang lab for disadvantagedyouth at the middle school, high school and undergraduate levels extend the impact of AFOSRsupport well beyond the immediate research project.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501710447
Entities
People
- Andy LiWang
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of California