Receptors adhere selectively: microbes

1 of 2 Color-enhanced Salmonella typhimurium invading cultured human cells / Rocky Mounta.. / License

Microbes attach to target cells via site-specific receptors.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Move or stay put >
	Attach >
	Temporarily

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Anti-microbial products that capture or filter microbes using receptors Targeted delivery of drugs on cellular level

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

In humans, unique molecules are present on cell surfaces and are used for everyday cellular processes and communication. To cause disease, microbes can recognize many of these molecules, and use them to attach to the cells they want to invade or colonize.

The above video depicts microorganisms attaching to a cell surface. As the immune system functions, Y-shaped antibodies may also attach to the microbial receptors, targeting them for destruction by immune cells.

Excerpt

"Successful establishment of infection by bacterial pathogens requires adhesion to host cells, colonization of tissues, and in certain cases, cellular invasion—followed by intracellular multiplication, dissemination to other tissues, or persistence. Bacteria use monomeric adhesins/invasins or highly sophisticated macromolecular machines such as type III secretion systems and retractile type IV pili to establish a complex host/pathogen molecular crosstalk that leads to subversion of cellular functions and establishment of disease." (Pizarro-Cerda & Cossart 2006:715)

"To initiate replication in a host cell, most viruses must first adhere to the plasma membrane, an interaction mediated by binding to a specific receptor, a cell surface molecule." (Flint et al. 2004:127)

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Anti-microbial products that capture or filter microbes using receptors, targeted delivery of drugs on cellular level

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Medical

BioFriend™ Anti-Microbial - Filter

Smart Bandage - Medical bandages

References

Pizarro-Cerda J; Cossart P. 2006. Bacterial Adhesion and Entry into Host Cells. Cell. 124: 715-727.

Flint SJ; Enquist LW; Racaniello VR; Skalka AM. 2004. Principles of Virology: Molecular Biology, Pathogenesis, and Control of Animal Viruses. Washington, DC: ASM Press. 918 p.

Receptors adhere selectively: microbes

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