Agneta Richter-Dahlfors Group

Our research is oriented in two directions; First, our group is pioneering a novel research area, termed tissue microbiology. Multiphoton microscopy, molecular techniques, and recordings of various physiological functions, are combined to visualize in real-time the immediate/early alteration of the tissue homeostasis that accompanies bacterial infections. Second, our group is actively participating in interdisciplinary research projects. Within the Strategic Research Centre for Organic Bioelectronics (OBOE), the Richter-Dahlfors group is developing organic electronic technologies for communication in cells and tissues. Other technological platforms are currently being established within the Swedish Medical Nanoscience Center, aimed to address a variety of biological questions.

In Vivo Infection studies - Tissue microbiology

Bacterial infections rapidly induce severe alterations in host tissue homeostasis. The coordinated signaling pathways induced in the primary infected cells and the molecular details of these complex tissue responses are currently unclear. Studies in this area have previously been hampered by a lack of appropriate techniques. We combine bacterial genetics with multi-photon microscopy and micropuncture techniques to enable visualization of the progression of infection in real-time within the organ of a single live animal. This visualization technique is combined with the molecular analysis of the infected tissue at various stages of infection. Increased knowledge about microbe-induced organ- and tissue-specific cell communication is essential in understanding the relevance of bacterial virulence factors for the infectious process. While we focus on uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) induced pyelonephritis, the technique can be applied to similar studies of a wide range of bacterial infections. Collectively, knowledge gathered from these studies is crucial to guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat bacterial infections.

Organic bioelectronics - OBOE

Conducting polymers are flexible, transparent material that can utilize both electrons and ions as charge carriers. This makes them suitable as a novel communication interface between manmade electronics and biological materials such as cell and tissues. The Richter-Dahlfors group develops devices to allow for precise transport and release of charged molecules without convection. Thus, signal substances such as ions and neurotransmitters can be delivered to cells in vitro and in vivo with µm scale spatial resolution without any disturbing liquid flow. In addition conducting polymers alter their surface chemistry when addressed with different potentials. We utilize this property to develop surfaces in order to electronically control the adhesion and viability of cells. These projects are performed within the Strategic Center for Organic Bioelectronics, and involves primarily collaboration with Professor M Berggrens group at Linköping University, and ACREO AB.

• The Swedish Medical Nanoscience Center
• The ARD Group Intranet XWIKI