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> Home > Faculty
& Staff > Dr. Robin Gerlach
Dr. Gerlach’s research focuses on the development of biofilm technologies
for beneficial purposes. Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms
that develop through the attachment of free-floating bacteria onto surfaces. The
attached organisms begin to form structurally and metabolically complex microbial
communities that propagate themselves via detachment of bacterial cells back
into the bulk fluid. Biofilm microorganisms are often enmeshed
in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that commonly consist of complex
polysaccharides. Biofilms form on virtually any surface that is exposed
to water and microorganisms: rocks in streambeds, ship hulls, water distribution
pipes, teeth, internal medical devices, etc.
Biofilms also often develop natural gradients in substrates, electron acceptor
concentration, pH, and other parameters. Therefore, biofilms have the potential
to provide the diverse environmental conditions required for the complete transformation
of recalcitrant compounds such as environmental contaminants or cellulose. The
close association of organisms with a wide range of metabolic capabilities in
biofilms can allow for fast metabolite exchange and can provide increased protection
of the biofilm organisms. Hence, biofilm-based technologies have the
potential to be significantly more robust and efficient than traditionally
developed biotechnologies.
Biofilms thriving under extreme conditions (e.g. high temperature, high/low
pH, high salt concentration) have been discovered in several places around
the world. Yellowstone
National Park provides an exceptional environment to be explored for microorganisms
with unique metabolism that can ultimately lead to the development of environmentally
sustainable technologies.
Current specific research areas and prospective technologies associated with
the research are summarized below:
Subsurface
Biofilm Barriers can be used to manipulate the hydraulic conductivity
(permeability) of subsurface formations enabling us to decrease or direct the
flow of groundwater. Therefore, we are investigating the hydrodynamics
in biofilm affected porous media in the laboratory using different reactors
and analytical techniques.
By improving our ability to transport bacteria and nutrients in the subsurface
and designing biofilm barriers to be reactive (e.g. contaminant degrading) or
non-reactive (simply for hydraulic control) we are intending to improve existing
subsurface bioremediation technologies.
We are investigating the transformation of nitroaromatics (e.g. the explosive
TNT - 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene), chlorinated aliphatic compounds (e.g.
trichloroethylene – TCE
and carbon tetrachloride – CT), heavy metals (e.g. chromate and
dichromate), and radionuclides (e.g. uranium).
The influence of natural organic matter, minerals, and co-contaminants is of
specific interest to my research as well as the establishment of biogeochemical
conditions (pH, redox potential, oxygen concentration, etc.) ideal for the safe
removal of these contaminants from contaminated groundwater or immobilization
in contaminated soils.
Current Laboratory Personnel:
Erin Field, Ph.D. Student
Laura Jennings, Visiting Ph.D. Student from Cornell University
Peter Haun, Undergraduate Student
Logan Schultz, Undergraduate Student
Adrienne Phillips, Research Associate
The Gerlach research group
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