Bacterial biofilms are highly organised communities where cells communicate, cooperate, and attach to one another through specialised molecular structures. Protected within these communities, bacteria can become remarkably difficult to eradicate, contributing to persistent, recurrent, and antimicrobial-resistant infections.

We use cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and cryo-FIB milling to visualise biofilms in their near-native state and uncover the molecular architecture that holds these communities together. Our focus is to identify the molecular “glues” that physically connect bacterial cells and stabilise biofilm communities. By revealing their structures and mechanisms, we aim to identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities and develop strategies to disrupt these interactions, destabilise biofilms, and restore antimicrobial susceptibility.

Our goal is to move from visualising biofilm architecture to identifying therapeutic targets and guiding the design of effective inhibitors.