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Prof. Annelies Zinkernagel x Atelier Landolt-Pfister: Antibiotic Persistence

  • ©Lukas Saxer, Art x Science Office, University of Zurich

  • ©Lukas Saxer, Art x Science Office, University of Zurich

Antibiotic Persistence

Some bacteria can survive antibiotic treatment not by becoming resistant, but by slowing down their metabolism and going into a kind of deep sleep. After the treatment with antibiotics is ended, they wake up and cause recurring infections that are difficult to treat. Prof. Annelies Zinkernagel is researching this bacterial strategy known as persistence and looking for new and more effective treatments. 

Inspired by this research, Atelier Landolt-Pfister designed this jacked with variously sized circles representing the bacterial colonies that have begun to grow at different times, indicating persistent bacteria. They combined different knitting techniques to create a monochromatic design that emerges through contrasting textures.
 


Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Annelies Zinkernagel –  Clinic Director of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene
Atelier Landolt-Pfister –  Studio for Visual Communication and Graphic Design

Pattern design: Kerstin Karlinger
Produced by Textil AG in Switzerland with Biella Yarn 

  • Parts of the pattern come to the fore or disappear depending on light and movement – a metaphor for the challenge of detecting persistent bacteria.

  • Parts of the pattern come to the fore or disappear depending on light and movement – a metaphor for the challenge of detecting persistent bacteria.

  • Nahaufname

    The monochrome design allows the underlying fabrics to show through.

  • The size of the bacterial colonies is an indicator of bacterial persistence.

  • Dr. Annelies Zinkernagel is the Clinic Director of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene and conducts research on bacterial persistence.

  • LandoltPfister

    Atelier Landolt-Pfister: Lea Pfister and Ursina Landolt develop innovative design concepts.