Connecting the dots between bacterial biofilms and ice cream

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.