Researchers developed 3D tissue-engineered human lung models dubbed “AirGels” that match the physiological features of the airway mucosa. They infected these AirGels with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, a frequent cause of antibiotic-resistant pneumonia, and observed the bacteria creating biofilms under al microscope in real-time. They discovered that P. aeruginosa develops mucus-associated biofilms within hours after colonization by constricting the airway mucus. The contraction of mucus allows bacteria to congregate and create a biofilm. P. aeruginosa actively causes mucus contraction via retractile filaments known as type IV pili, according to the findings. This work shows that the AirGel organoid model can reveal previously unknown mechanisms of biofilm development by providing unique insights into mechanical interactions between bacteria and their host environment. The ability to create lifelike organoids opens up new possibilities.

To know more: About the original article click here.