scholarly journals Sticky Situations: Bacterial Attachment Deciphered by Interferometry of Silicon Microstructures

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Leonard ◽  
Liran Holtzman ◽  
Yuri Haimov ◽  
Daniel Weizman ◽  
Sarel Halachmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Cell Attachment ◽  
Substrate Surface ◽  
Bacterial Attachment ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Surface Enhanced ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Antibiotic Efficacy ◽  
Microstructured Material

AbstractThe peculiarities of surface-bound bacterial cells are often overshadowed by the study of planktonic cells in clinical microbiology. Thus, we employ phase-shift reflectometric interference spectroscopic measurements to observe the interactions between bacterial cells and abiotic, microstructured material surfaces in a label-free, real-time manner. Both material characteristics (i.e., substrate surface charge and wettability) and characteristics of the bacterial cells (i.e., motility, cell charge, biofilm formation, and physiology) drive bacteria to adhere to a particular surface. We conclude that the attachment of bacterial cells to a surface is determined by the culmination of numerous factors. When specific characteristics of the bacteria are met with factors of the surface, enhanced cell attachment and biofilm formation occur. Such knowledge can be exploited to predict antibiotic efficacy, biofilm development, enhance biosensor development, as well as prevent biofouling.

scholarly journals Periodicity of Cell Attachment Patterns during Escherichia coli Biofilm Development

2003 ◽  
Vol 185 (18) ◽  
pp. 5632-5638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantin Agladze ◽  
Debra Jackson ◽  
Tony Romeo
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Laminar Flow ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Cell Attachment ◽  
Bacterial Biofilms ◽  
Flow Conditions ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Complex Architecture ◽  
Activator Inhibitor ◽  
Laminar Flow Conditions

ABSTRACT The complex architecture of bacterial biofilms inevitably raises the question of their design. Microstructure of developing Escherichia coli biofilms was analyzed under static and laminar flow conditions. Cell attachment during early biofilm formation exhibited periodic density patterns that persisted during development. Several models for the origination of biofilm microstructure are considered, including an activator-inhibitor or Turing model.

scholarly journals Toxin-Antitoxin Systems in Escherichia coli Influence Biofilm Formation through YjgK (TabA) and Fimbriae

2008 ◽  
Vol 191 (4) ◽  
pp. 1258-1267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Younghoon Kim ◽  
Xiaoxue Wang ◽  
Qun Ma ◽  
Xue-Song Zhang ◽  
Thomas K. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Cell Attachment ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Transcriptome Profiling ◽  
Uncharacterized Protein ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Biofilm Dispersal ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Whole Transcriptome

ABSTRACT The roles of toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems in bacteria have been debated. Here, the role of five TA systems in regard to biofilm development was investigated (listed as toxin/antitoxin: MazF/MazE, RelE/RelB, ChpB, YoeB/YefM, and YafQ/DinJ). Although these multiple TA systems were reported previously to not impact bacterial fitness, we found that deletion of the five TA systems decreased biofilm formation initially (8 h) on three different surfaces and then increased biofilm formation (24 h) by decreasing biofilm dispersal. Whole-transcriptome profiling revealed that the deletion of the five TA systems induced expression of a single gene, yjgK, which encodes an uncharacterized protein; quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) confirmed consistent induction of this gene (at 8, 15, and 24 h). Corroborating the complex phenotype seen upon deleting the TA systems, overexpression of YjgK decreased biofilm formation at 8 h and increased biofilm formation at 24 h; deletion of yjgK also affected biofilm formation in the expected manner by increasing biofilm formation after 8 h and decreasing biofilm formation after 24 h. In addition, YjgK significantly reduced biofilm dispersal. Whole-transcriptome profiling revealed YjgK represses fimbria genes at 8 h (corroborated by qRT-PCR and a yeast agglutination assay), which agrees with the decrease in biofilm formation upon deleting the five TA systems at 8 h, as well as that seen upon overexpressing YjgK. Sand column assays confirmed that deleting the five TA systems reduced cell attachment. Furthermore, deletion of each of the five toxins increased biofilm formation at 8 h, and overexpression of the five toxins repressed biofilm formation at 8 h, a result that is opposite that of deleting all five TA systems; this suggests that complex regulation occurs involving the antitoxins. Also, the ability of the global regulator Hha to reduce biofilm formation was dependent on the presence of these TA systems. Hence, we suggest that one role of TA systems is to influence biofilm formation.

scholarly journals Chicken Juice Enhances Surface Attachment and Biofilm Formation of Campylobacter jejuni

2014 ◽  
Vol 80 (22) ◽  
pp. 7053-7060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen L. Brown ◽  
Mark Reuter ◽  
Louise J. Salt ◽  
Kathryn L. Cross ◽  
Roy P. Betts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Food Chain ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Cell Attachment ◽  
Bacterial Attachment ◽  
Poultry Meat ◽  
Abiotic Surface ◽  
Surface Attachment ◽  
Aerobic Conditions ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACTThe bacterial pathogenCampylobacter jejuniis primarily transmitted via the consumption of contaminated foodstuffs, especially poultry meat. In food processing environments,C. jejuniis required to survive a multitude of stresses and requires the use of specific survival mechanisms, such as biofilms. An initial step in biofilm formation is bacterial attachment to a surface. Here, we investigated the effects of a chicken meat exudate (chicken juice) onC. jejunisurface attachment and biofilm formation. Supplementation of brucella broth with ≥5% chicken juice resulted in increased biofilm formation on glass, polystyrene, and stainless steel surfaces with fourC. jejuniisolates and oneC. coliisolate in both microaerobic and aerobic conditions. When incubated with chicken juice,C. jejuniwas both able to grow and form biofilms in static cultures in aerobic conditions. Electron microscopy showed thatC. jejunicells were associated with chicken juice particulates attached to the abiotic surface rather than the surface itself. This suggests that chicken juice contributes toC. jejunibiofilm formation by covering and conditioning the abiotic surface and is a source of nutrients. Chicken juice was able to complement the reduction in biofilm formation of an aflagellated mutant ofC. jejuni, indicating that chicken juice may support food chain transmission of isolates with lowered motility. We provide here a useful model for studying the interaction ofC. jejunibiofilms in food chain-relevant conditions and also show a possible mechanism forC. jejunicell attachment and biofilm initiation on abiotic surfaces within the food chain.

scholarly journals Surface waves control bacterial attachment and formation of biofilms in thin layers

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (22) ◽  
pp. eaaz9386
Author(s):  
Sung-Ha Hong ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Gorce ◽  
Horst Punzmann ◽  
Nicolas Francois ◽  
Michael Shats ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Waves ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Bacterial Attachment ◽  
Thin Layers ◽  
Solid Surfaces ◽  
Biofilm Growth ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Wave Patterns ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Transport Channels

Formation of bacterial biofilms on solid surfaces within a fluid starts when bacteria attach to the substrate. Understanding environmental factors affecting the attachment and the early stages of the biofilm development will help develop methods of controlling the biofilm growth. Here, we show that biofilm formation is strongly affected by the flows in thin layers of bacterial suspensions controlled by surface waves. Deterministic wave patterns promote the growth of patterned biofilms, while wave-driven turbulent motion discourages patterned attachment of bacteria. Strong biofilms form under the wave antinodes, while inactive bacteria and passive particles settle under nodal points. By controlling the wavelength, its amplitude, and horizontal mobility of the wave patterns, one can shape the biofilm and either enhance the growth or discourage the formation of the biofilm. The results suggest that the deterministic wave-driven transport channels, rather than hydrodynamic forces acting on microorganisms, determine the preferred location for the bacterial attachment.

scholarly journals Bacteriophages as an Alternative Strategy for Fighting Biofilm Development

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
SYLWIA PARASION ◽  
MAGDALENA KWIATEK ◽  
ROMUALD GRYKO ◽  
LIDIA MIZAK ◽  
ANNA MALM
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Bacterial Resistance ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽  
Biofilm Development

The ability of microbes to form biofilms is an important element of their pathogenicity, and biofilm formation is a serious challenge for today's medicine. Fighting the clinical complications associated with biofilm formation is very difficult and linked to a high risk of failure, especially in a time of increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Bacterial species most commonly isolated from biofilms include coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. The frequent failure of antibiotic therapy led researchers to look for alternative methods and experiment with the use of antibacterial factors with a mechanism of action different from that of antibiotics. Experimental studies with bacteriophages and mixtures thereof, expressing lytic properties against numerous biofilm-forming bacterial species showed that bacteriophages may both prevent biofilm formation and contribute to eradication of biofilm bacteria. A specific role is played here by phage depolymerases, which facilitate the degradation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and thus the permeation of bacteriophages into deeper biofilm layers and lysis of the susceptible bacterial cells. Much hope is placed in genetic modifications of bacteriophages that would allow the equipping bacteriophages with the function of depolymerase synthesis. The use of phage cocktails prevents the development of phage-resistant bacteria.

scholarly journals Effect of Micro- and Nanoscale Topography on the Adhesion of Bacterial Cells to Solid Surfaces

2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (8) ◽  
pp. 2703-2712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lillian C. Hsu ◽  
Jean Fang ◽  
Diana A. Borca-Tasciuc ◽  
Randy W. Worobo ◽  
Carmen I. Moraru
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Bacterial Attachment ◽  
Listeria Innocua ◽  
Solid Surfaces ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nanoscale Topography ◽  
Key Microorganisms ◽  
Financial Losses

ABSTRACTAttachment and biofilm formation by bacterial pathogens on surfaces in natural, industrial, and hospital settings lead to infections and illnesses and even death. Minimizing bacterial attachment to surfaces using controlled topography could reduce the spreading of pathogens and, thus, the incidence of illnesses and subsequent human and financial losses. In this context, the attachment of key microorganisms, includingEscherichia coli,Listeria innocua, andPseudomonas fluorescens, to silica and alumina surfaces with micron and nanoscale topography was investigated. The results suggest that orientation of the attached cells occurs preferentially such as to maximize their contact area with the surface. Moreover, the bacterial cells exhibited different morphologies, including different number and size of cellular appendages, depending on the topographical details of the surface to which they attached. This suggests that bacteria may utilize different mechanisms of attachment in response to surface topography. These results are important for the design of novel microbe-repellant materials.

Is the Quorum Sensing Type AI-1 System of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans Involved in its Attachment to Mineral Surfaces?

2007 ◽  
Vol 20-21 ◽  
pp. 345-349
Author(s):  
Lina María Ruíz ◽  
Alex Gonzalez ◽  
Marine Frezza ◽  
Laurent Soulère ◽  
Yves Queneau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Acyl Chain ◽  
Bacterial Attachment ◽  
Mineral Surfaces ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Chain Lengths

Biofilm development plays a pivotal role in the bioleaching process. The attachment of the acidophilic chemolithotrophic Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to mineral surfaces is mediated by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) involved in biofilm development. Previous work suggests that EPS composition of A. ferrooxidans is adapted to the energy source and, accordingly, the bacterium must be able to sense the surface to which attachment occurs with the consequent triggering of the expression of different EPS-genes. Quorum sensing (QS) is recognized as one of the main regulators of biofilm formation. A. ferrooxidans possesses a functional QS type AI-1 system and the analysis of culture supernatants revealed us that this bacterium is able to synthesize nine different homoserine lactones (AHLs) whose acyl-chain lengths oscillate between 8 and 16 carbons and include an alcohol or a ketone function at the C3 position. The transcription levels of the afeI gene encoding for the AHL synthase are higher in cells grown in sulfur and thiosulfate media than in iron-grown cells, suggesting that biofilm formation in A. ferrooxidans would be regulated by the QS type AI-1 system. In the present study, the effect of several synthetic AHLs and analogues on the attachment of A. ferrooxidans to pyrite was analyzed. Preliminary results suggest that some of these molecules are changing the bacterial attachment to pyrite.

scholarly journals Urethane Dimethacrylate Influences the Cariogenic Properties of Streptococcus Mutans

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 1015
Author(s):  
Kyungsun Kim ◽  
Jeong Nam Kim ◽  
Bum-Soon Lim ◽  
Sug-Joon Ahn
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Sugar Transport ◽  
Composite Resins ◽  
Dental Composite ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Urethane Dimethacrylate ◽  
Biofilm Development

Concerns regarding unbound monomers in dental composites have increased with the increased usage of these materials. This study assessed the biological effects of urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), a common monomer component of dental composite resins, on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans. Changes in the growth rate, biofilm formation, interaction with saliva, surface hydrophobicity, adhesion, glucan synthesis, sugar transport, glycolytic profiles, and oxidative- and acid-stress tolerances of S. mutans were evaluated after growing the cells in the presence and absence of UDMA. The results indicated that UDMA promotes the adhesion of S. mutans to the underlying surfaces and extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, leading to enhanced biofilm formation. Furthermore, UDMA reduced the acid tolerance of S. mutans, but enhanced its tolerance to oxidative stress, thus favoring the early stage of biofilm development. UDMA did not significantly affect the viability or planktonic growth of cells, but diminished the ability of S. mutans to metabolize carbohydrates and thus maintain the level of intracellular polysaccharides, although the tendency for sugar transport increased. Notably, UDMA did not significantly alter the interactions of bacterial cells with saliva. This study suggests that UDMA may potentially contribute to the development of secondary caries around UDMA-containing dental materials by prompting biofilm formation, enhancing oxidative tolerance, and modulating carbon flow.

scholarly journals Role of Multicellular Aggregates in Biofilm Formation

mBio ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kasper N. Kragh ◽  
Jaime B. Hutchison ◽  
Gavin Melaugh ◽  
Chris Rodesney ◽  
Aled E. L. Roberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Relative Fitness ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Ecological Benefit ◽  
Multicellular Aggregates ◽  
Biofilm Development

ABSTRACT In traditional models of in vitro biofilm development, individual bacterial cells seed a surface, multiply, and mature into multicellular, three-dimensional structures. Much research has been devoted to elucidating the mechanisms governing the initial attachment of single cells to surfaces. However, in natural environments and during infection, bacterial cells tend to clump as multicellular aggregates, and biofilms can also slough off aggregates as a part of the dispersal process. This makes it likely that biofilms are often seeded by aggregates and single cells, yet how these aggregates impact biofilm initiation and development is not known. Here we use a combination of experimental and computational approaches to determine the relative fitness of single cells and preformed aggregates during early development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. We find that the relative fitness of aggregates depends markedly on the density of surrounding single cells, i.e., the level of competition for growth resources. When competition between aggregates and single cells is low, an aggregate has a growth disadvantage because the aggregate interior has poor access to growth resources. However, if competition is high, aggregates exhibit higher fitness, because extending vertically above the surface gives cells at the top of aggregates better access to growth resources. Other advantages of seeding by aggregates, such as earlier switching to a biofilm-like phenotype and enhanced resilience toward antibiotics and immune response, may add to this ecological benefit. Our findings suggest that current models of biofilm formation should be reconsidered to incorporate the role of aggregates in biofilm initiation. IMPORTANCE During the past decades, there has been a consensus around the model of development of a biofilm, involving attachment of single planktonic bacterial cells to a surface and the subsequent development of a mature biofilm. This study presents results that call for a modification of this rigorous model. We show how free floating biofilm aggregates can have a profound local effect on biofilm development when attaching to a surface. Our findings show that an aggregate landing on a surface will eventually outcompete the biofilm population arising from single cells attached around the aggregate and dominate the local biofilm development. These results point to a regime where preformed biofilm aggregates may have a fitness advantage over planktonic cells when it comes to accessing nutrients. Our findings add to the increasingly prominent comprehension that biofilm lifestyle is the default for bacteria and that planktonic single cells may be only a transition state at the most.

scholarly journals BolA Is a Transcriptional Switch That Turns Off Motility and Turns On Biofilm Development

mBio ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clémentine Dressaire ◽  
Ricardo Neves Moreira ◽  
Susana Barahona ◽  
António Pedro Alves de Matos ◽  
Cecília Maria Arraiano
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Extracellular Polysaccharides ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bacterial Transcription ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Exact Function ◽  
Transcriptional Switch ◽  
Biofilm Development

ABSTRACTBacteria are extremely versatile organisms that rapidly adapt to changing environments. When bacterial cells switch from planktonic growth to biofilm, flagellum formation is turned off and the production of fimbriae and extracellular polysaccharides is switched on. BolA is present in most Gram-negative bacteria, and homologues can be found from proteobacteria to eukaryotes. Here, we show that BolA is a new bacterial transcription factor that modulates the switch from a planktonic to a sessile lifestyle. It negatively modulates flagellar biosynthesis and swimming capacity inEscherichia coli. Furthermore, BolA overexpression favors biofilm formation, involving the production of fimbria-like adhesins and curli. Our results also demonstrate that BolA is a protein with high affinity to DNA and is able to regulate many genes on a genome-wide scale. Moreover, we show that the most significant targets of this protein involve a complex network of genes encoding proteins related to biofilm development. Herein, we propose that BolA is a motile/adhesive transcriptional switch, specifically involved in the transition between the planktonic and the attachment stage of biofilm formation.IMPORTANCEEscherichia colicells possess several mechanisms to cope with stresses. BolA has been described as a protein important for survival in late stages of bacterial growth and under harsh environmental conditions. BolA-like proteins are widely conserved from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. Although their exact function is not fully established at the molecular level, they seem to be involved in cell proliferation or cell cycle regulation. Here, we unraveled the role of BolA in biofilm development and bacterial motility. Our work suggests that BolA actively contributes to the decision of bacteria to arrest flagellar production and initiate the attachment to form structured communities, such as biofilms. The molecular studies of different lifestyles coupled with the comprehension of the BolA functions may be an important step for future perspectives, with health care and biotechnology applications.

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