Objective
Staphylococcus aureus is a persistent global challenge in wound treatment and a leading cause of post-transplant complications. Its remarkable ability to evade therapy relies in part on the formation of biofilms—structured communities of bacterial cells embedded in an extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix. While the composition of this matrix—extracellular DNA, polysaccharide inter-cellular adhesin (PIA), and secreted proteins—is qualitatively understood, little is known about the molecular structures adopted by these components during formation and maturation of biofilm. This gap hampers efforts to interpret biofilm physiology and design targeted anti-biofilm strategies. With current therapies relying on multi-drug antibiotic regimens administered over extended periods—often with limited success and frequent recurrence—there is an urgent need to re-conceptualize the biofilm as a tissue-like structure, whose protective and adaptive functions are governed by the EPS matrix.
The proposed project aims to develop and apply a panel of fluorescent markers for the identification and spatial mapping of key EPS matrix components within native biofilms. These markers—targeting extracellular DNA and RNA (via metabolic labeling), amyloid-like proteins (FSB dye), membrane vesicles (fluorescent conjugates), and polysaccharides like PIA (lectin-based probes)—will be optimized for compatibility with both fluorescence microscopy and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). Marker performance will be evaluated in Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains, selected for their distinct EPS compositions. Initial large-volume mapping will be performed using FIB-SEM tomography to classify architectural phenotypes and guide targeted lamella preparation for cryo-ET. By resolving the in situ organization of EPS matrix components, this project will provide structural insights into biofilm resilience and lay the groundwork for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules carbohydrates
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
8006 Zurich
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.