The physics of biological systems

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Understanding the effects of interactions between bacteria and the rest of the world, particularly humans, is of vital importance to us.  Bacteria can reproduce and thrive as planktonic (single) bacteria, but the most secure form of bacterial activity - and potentially the most dangerous to humans - is a self-protected colony, a biofilm. Bacteria first experience their outside world via weak physical interactions (e.g., electrostatic forces), and it is this aspect that I am studying - via mathematical modelling and computer simulation.  I am modelling the interactions between bacterial surfaces or biofilms, and their environment, in order to understand the physics of these interactions and, ultimately, how to manipulate biofilms and individual bacteria.  The environment includes, for example, the effects of antimicrobial peptides or materials like chitosan in a variety of surroundings (aqueous solutions, foods).  This program of basic physics research underpins a range of collaborative and applied research with applications to health, food and the environment.