title: Connecting the dots between bacterial biofilms and ice cream.
abstract: Emerging research is revealing a diverse array of interfacially-active proteins that are involved in varied biological process from foaming horse sweat to bacterial raincoat formation. We describe an interdisciplinary approach to study the molecular and biophysical mechanisms controlling the activity of an unusual bacterial protein called BslA. This protein is needed for biofilm formation and forms a protective layer or raincoat over the bacterial community, but also has a multitude of potential applications in multiphase formulations. Here we document our journey from fundamental research to an examination of the applications for this surface-active protein in ice cream.
authors.affiliation: Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
authors.forename: Nicola R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Stanley-Wall
authors.forename: Cait E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: MacPhee
mesh_terms: D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000502:physiology*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D018441:Biofilms; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D007054:Ice Cream / Q000032:analysis* / Q000382:microbiology*; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D013501:Surface-Active Agents