Dr Jeff Cheng

Jeff Cheng

Assistant Professor (Research Focussed)

Email: Jeffrey.Cheng@warwick.ac.uk

Office: D109

Website: www.jeffkjcheng.com

Research Groups

David Roper Group

Research Clusters

Microbiology & Infectious Disease

Current Research

To sum up my scientific history and interests into one word: biofilms.

My current research focuses on bacterial cellulose as an alternative source material for sustainable practices. Bacterial cellulose (or SCOBYs) is a byproduct from Kombucha fermentation, itself a large biofilm hosting a diverse microbial community. We are investigating the mechanisms of bacterial cellulose production and how we can alter and exploit the fibre morphology to tailor to certain physical characteristics required. To achieve this, we are employing synthetic biology and bioinformatics to determine what important genes are involved and the genotype-phenotype response is further characterised by polymer chemistry.

Broader Interests and Activities

I have a diverse of set scientific interests and research background. Previous I have studied polymicrobial biofilms in ventilator-associated pneumonia with Dr. Freya Harrison, Prof. Ana Traven and Prof. Trevor Lithgow (Monash University). We delved into the population dynamics and biofilm structure during temporal-spatial biofilm development on an endotracheal model. Furthermore, we have subsequently further improved in vitro endotracheal model with mechanical ventilation and fluids. During my PhD, I studied C. difficile colonisation of the gut using TraDIS and a multi-layered gut model. I uncovered a plethora of genes at different stages of colonisation and go on to look at bacterial stress response and its involvement in biofilm formation.

I work in collaboration with Prof. David Roper, Dr. Nic Briggs, Dr. Stefano Camaione and Dr. Aras Kadioglu (University of Liverpool) to develop a universal S. pneumoniae vaccine.