Research

Biofilm formation in porous media:
Biofilms can significantly impact fluid flow and vice versa, causing issues like clogging water treatment filters and contamination of medical devices. Our research delves into how flow dynamics and channel geometry affect chemotaxis, cell attachment, quorum sensing, and biofilm growth, aiming to advance biofilm control technologies.

Flow at channel constrictions causes E.coli cells to aggregate.

Fungi-oil interaction (bioremediation):
Remediating oil spills is challenging due to the entrapment of oil contaminants in low permeability regions. Our research investigates how microbes maneuver through multiphase porous media systems, locate, and interact with oil contaminants utilizing microchips. This understanding serves as a foundation for developing innovative technologies (e.g., bioremediation, oil recovery)

Hydrophilic fungi can ‘push out’ oils from rock pores.