Microbial Culture

Background: 

A novel method of studying microbial cultures has been developed by Dr. Robert Quinn, et al. of UCSD's Skaggs School of Pharmacy1. Based on the concept of the Winogradsky Column, this method allows for the study of microbial cultures in an environment that more closely resembles the mucus plugs found in the lungs of patients affected by cystic fibrosis, particularly in the interactions between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Early research using this Winogradsky-based culture system (named the "WinCF system") has shown that anaerobic bacteria, which are currently not well-investigated, could be an early predictor of cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations (CFPE). Thus, continued research in this area could help with the prevention and treatment of CFPE, which could greatly improve the lives of those affected by cystic fibrosis.

The current workflow for preparing a sample to be studied using the WinCF system involves filling multiple capillary tubes with a sample medium innoculated with a patient's mucus sample, incubating these tubes, and finally imaging the tubes to characterize the bacteria. While effective, this procedure is currently slow and labor-intensive. By optimizing these steps and improving the throughput of this system, this project represents an opportunity to accelerate the rate at which research in this field can be conducted.

References:

1. Quinn, Robert A., et al. "A Winogradsky-based culture system shows an association between microbial fermentation and cystic fibrosis exacerbation." The ISME journal 9.4 (2015): 1024-1038.