Using soft-lithography techniques, we investigate at which conditions a colony of micro-organisms jams in a model 2D porous medium with tunable pores and throats size, and the resulting pressure on the PDMS matrix. We also study the microbial growth in the (3D) cohesive granular material described previously. Using information obtained from the 2D system we try to optimize its design in terms of size of beads and strength of the bonds, to observe mechanical damages induced by the pressure of the growing colony. Within the group, I collaborate with Benjamin Dimond on this specific topic, who is currently focusing on the soft-lithography experiments.