Welcome to the Duan Research Lab

Understanding Biofilm Structure Using Solid-State NMR

The Duan group develops and applies solid-state NMR spectroscopy to understand the architecture and dynamics of bacterial biofilm. Bacteria that form biofilms, a slimy protective layer they build, are a major cause of long-lasting and device-related infections, making up about 80% of all chronic infections around the world. These bacteria produce a variety of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), such as proteins, polysaccharides and extracellular DNA, which form robust biofilms to shield the bacteria from mechanical and chemical stress as well as host immune response.

We use a powerful technique called solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (ssNMR) to look closely at these biomaterials at atomic level, exploring how they are assembled and how they behave under stress. With ssNMR, we quantify the EPS components in biofilms, characterize their structure and dynamics, and probe their chemical environments in situ. Our goal is to shed light on the weak spots of bacterial biofilms and contribute strategies for eradicating recalcitrate infections associated with bacterial biofilms.

We warmly welcome students with motivation and a hunger for knowledge to join our group. Please feel free to contact Dr. Pu Duan via email: pduan@lsu.edu.