About
Team Microbiome is focused on developing an alternative, bacteriocin based, acne treatment that targets the acne causing bacteria, but does not compromise the normal facial microflora. On this team they are wildly isolating Cutibacterium acnes strains and testing existing antibiotics treatments against the novel bacteriocin treatments. Team Microbiome is additionally collecting other facial microbes to test for novel bacteriocins produced to selectively kill acne causing bacteria. Another aspect of this team is to formulate a topical gel that can safely and effectively deliver the bacteriocin therapy to the site of acne vulgaris. This team tackles the challenges that are associated with working with anaerobic bacteria which is a new setting the Riley Lab has not previously explored in all aspects but is currently diving headfirst into the expansive realm of anaerobic bacteria. While the current focus is on developing a treatment to acne vulgaris with minimal impact on the facial microbiome, what is learned through current experimentation will lead to countless other projects.
Current Members
Adam Charest ● Adam Yi ● Morgan Lance
Ben Vengalil ● Merin Thomas ● Kosi Chugbo-Junius
Mei Edgerly ● Ella Zhang