Research summary of JST-ERATO Nomura Project

Microorganisms are found in nearly every environment on earth. Contrary to the "lone wolf" idea, most microorganisms exist as multi-species biofilms in the environment. Due to their abundance and ubiquity, the ability to "control" (prevent, suppress, modulate) the behavior of microorganisms is important in many areas including suppression of infectious diseases, modulating intestinal flora, microbe-mediated water treatment, food production and handling, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Biofilm control based solely on an engineering approach, such as changing the nutrient, pH, and/or oxygen supply, however, is rapidly reaching its limit. Therefore, innovative control technology based on a new theory for multi-species biofilms is of vital importance. Within biofilms, there is both intercellular interaction as well as tremendous heterogeneity. Clarification of the mechanisms of these interactions and the sources of this heterogeneity will lead to a greater understanding of microbial communities and how they may be controlled, within their own unique environments.