On the role of extracellular polymeric substances during early stages of Xylella fastidiosa biofilm formation

Development of super nanoantimicrobials combining AgCl, tetracycline and benzalkonium chloride

In this work, we demonstrate that a simple argentometric titration is a scalable, fast, green and robust approach for producing AgCl/antibiotic hybrid antimicrobial materials. We titrated AgNO3 into tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) aqueous solution, thus forming AgCl/TCH in a one-step procedure. Furthermore, we investigated the one-pot synthesis of triply synergistic super-nanoantimicrobials, combining an inorganic source of Ag+ ions (AgCl), a disinfecting agent (benzyl-dimethyl-hexadecyl-ammonium chloride, BAC) and a molecular antibiotic (tetracycline hydrochloride, TCH). Conventional antimicrobial tests, industrial biofilm detection protocols, and in situ IR-ATR microbial biofilm monitoring, have been adapted to understand the performance of the synthesized super-nanoantimicrobial. The resulting hybrid AgCl/BAC/TCH nanoantimicrobials are found to be synergistically active in eradicating Salmonella enterica and Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri bacteria and biofilms. This study paves the way for the development of a new class of super-efficient nanoantimicrobials that combine relatively low amounts of multiple active species into a single (nano)formulation, thus preventing the development of antimicrobial resistance towards a single active principle.

Preparation of Laser-Ablated Ag Nanoparticle-MMT Clay-Based Beeswax Antibiofilm Coating

Unlike other antimicrobial agents, Ag-based composites are stable and currently widely used as broad spectral additives, fighting microbial biofilms and other biological threats. The goal of the present study is to develop a green, multifunctional, and robust antibiofilm water-insoluble coating, inhibiting histamine-producing Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri biofilms. Herein, laser-ablated Ag NPs (L-Ag NPs) were incorporated into and onto a montmorillonite (MMT) surface layer with a simple wet chemical method, provided that the electrostatic interaction between L-Ag NPs and MMT clay led to the formation of L-Ag/MMT nanoantimicrobials (NAMs). The use of MMT support can facilitate handling Ag NPs in industrial applications. The Ag/MMT composite was characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which confirmed the entrapment of L-Ag NPs into MMT clay. The surface chemical composition was assessed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, proving that Ag NPs were in contact with and deposited onto the surface of MMT. The characteristic L-Ag/MMT band was investigated with UV-vis spectroscopy. Following that, the L-Ag/MMT composite was embedded into a biosafe water-insoluble beeswax agent with a spin coating technique. The antimicrobial ion release kinetic profile of the L-Ag/MMT/beeswax coating through an electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ETAAS) study supported the controlled release of Ag ions, reaching a plateau at 420 ± 80 nM, which is safe from the point of view of Ag toxicity. Microbial biofilm growth inhibition was assessed with real-time in situ Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) in a flow cell assembly over 32 h. The study was further supported by optical density (OD) measurements and SEM on bacteria incubated in the presence of the L-Ag/MMT/beeswax coating.

Antimicrobial Efficiency of Chitosan and Its Methylated Derivative against Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri Biofilms

Antimicrobial materials are considered potential alternatives to prevent the development of biofilm-associated contaminations. Concerns regarding synthetic preservatives necessitate the development of innovative and safe natural antimicrobials. In the present study, we discuss the in situ infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (IR-ATR) investigations of the selective antimicrobial efficiency of chitosan in controlling the growth of Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri biofilms. The protonated charges of chitosan were additionally amplified by structural modification via methylation, yielding quaternized derivative TMC (i.e., N, N, N-trimethyl chitosan). To evaluate antimicrobial effectiveness against L. parab. biofilms, IR-ATR spectroscopy provided information on molecular mechanisms and insights into chemical changes during real-time biofilm inhibition studies. The integrated fiberoptic oxygen microsensors enabled monitoring oxygen (O₂) concentration gradients within biofilms, thereby confirming the metabolic oxygen depletion dropping from 4.5 to 0.7 mg L^-1. IR studies revealed strong electrostatic interactions between chitosan/its water-soluble derivative and bacteria, indicating that a few hours were sufficient to affect biofilm disruption. The significant decrease in the IR bands is related to the characteristic spectral information of amide I, II, III, nucleic acid, and extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) produced by L. parabuchneri biofilms. Cell clusters of biofilms, microcolonies, and destabilization of the EPS matrix after the addition of biopolymers were visualized using optical microscopy. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of biofilms grown on polystyrene and stainless-steel surfaces was used to examine morphological changes, indicating the disintegration of the biofilm matrix into individual cells. Quantification of the total biofilm formation correlated with the CV assay results, indicating cell death and lysis. The electrostatic interactions between chitosan and the bacterial cell wall typically occur between protonated amino groups and negatively charged phospholipids, which promote permeabilization. Biofilm growth inhibition was assessed by a viability assay for a period of 72 h and in the range of low MIC values (varying 0.01-2%). These results support the potential of chitosan and TMC for bacterial growth prevention of the foodborne contaminant L. parabuchneri in the dairy industry and for further implementation in food packaging.

In situ monitoring of Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri biofilm formation via real-time infrared spectroscopy

Foodborne pathogenic microorganisms form biofilms at abiotic surfaces, which is a particular challenge in food processing industries. The complexity of biofilm formation requires a fundamental understanding on the involved molecular mechanisms, which may then lead to efficient prevention strategies. In the present study, biogenic amine producing bacteria, i.e., Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri DSM 5987 strain isolated from cheese were studied in respect with biofilm formation, which is of substantial relevance given their contribution to the presence of histamine in dairy products. While scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate biofilm adhesion at stainless steel surfaces, in situ infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (IR-ATR) using a custom flow-through assembly was used for real-time and non-destructive observations of biofilm formation during a period of several days. The spectral window of 1700–600 cm−1 provides access to vibrational signatures characteristic for identifying and tracking L. parabuchneri biofilm formation and maturation. Especially, the amide I and II bands, lactic acid produced as the biofilm matures, and a pronounced increase of bands characteristic for extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) provide molecular insight into biofilm formation, maturation, and changes in biofilm architecture. Finally, multivariate data evaluation strategies were applied facilitating the unambiguous classification of the observed biofilm changes via IR spectroscopic data.

Characterization of biofilms formed on polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the shore of the Tuul River, Mongolia

Microplastic (MP) surfaces are common sites for microbial colonization and promote biofilm formation in aquatic environments, resulting in changes to the surface properties of MPs and their interaction with pollutants. Although the diversity of microbial communities adhering to MPs has been well documented in aquatic environments, surface changes in MPs due to microbial colonization are still poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the variations in the chemical structure and components of biofilms on the surface of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) collected from the shore of the Tuul River in Mongolia, using micro-Fourier transform infrared (micro-FTIR) spectroscopy. We applied a spectral subtraction approach, and the differences in spectra between peroxide-treated and untreated PS-MP particles enabled us to obtain the structural features of biofilms that developed on the plastic surface. In addition, the surface photooxidation status of the sampled PS-MPs was calculated from the subtracted spectra of peroxide-treated and pristine PS-MPs. Various functional groups of N-containing organic substances from bacterial and fungal communities were detected in the obtained biofilm spectra. Based on the spectral characteristics, biofilm spectra were classified into four groups by applying principal component analysis (PCA). A wide range of carbonyl indices (CIs: 0.00-1.40) was found in the subtracted spectra between peroxide-treated and pristine PS-MPs, revealing that different levels of surface oxidation progressed by physical influences such as solar radiation and freeze-thaw cycles. Furthermore, lignocellulose and silicate were found on the PS-MP surface as allochthonous attachments. Considering the variation in residence time of PS-MPs, they attract plant residues and mineral particles through the development of biofilms and travel together in the river environment. Given that the dynamic behavior of MPs can be greatly affected by changes in their surfaces, further studies are needed to emphasize their link to organic matter dynamics.

Nano zero-valent iron improves anammox activity by promoting the activity of quorum sensing system

The addition of nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) has been proven to improve the efficiency of the anammox process, however, the mechnism is not clear. Here, the effect of nZVI on anammox microbial community was studied by metagenomic sequencing methods. It was found that 50 mg/L nZVI indeed promoted the removal of NH₄⁺ and NO₂^- of the anammox reactor and significantly improved the relative abundance of AnAOB (Ca. Brocadia) from 42.1% to 52.5%. What's more, 50 mg/L nZVI increased the abundance of c-di-GMP synthesized protein from 148 rpmr to 252 rpmr in the microbial community and decreased the abundance of c-di-GMP degradation protein from 238 rpmr to 204 rpmr, which indirectly led to the enrichment of c-di-GMP in the microbial community. The enrichment of c-di-GMP reduced the motility of microorganisms in the reactor and promoted the secretion of extracellular polymers by bacteria, which is beneficial to the formation of sludge particles in the anammox reactor. In conclusion, this research clarified the mechanism of nZVI promoting the anammox process and provided theoretical guidance for the engineering application of anammox.

Nanoscale characteristics of conditioning film development on photobioreactor materials: influence on the initial adhesion and biofilm formation by a cyanobacterium

Adsorption of conditioning films on a solid surface is the first step in the development of biofilms. With the goal of understanding the preliminary adhesion mechanisms of cyanobacteria on photobioreactor (PBR) materials to prevent biofouling, the physical changes occurring on PBR materials were investigated during the initial adhesion and biofilm formation by Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, a cyanobacterium that is genetically modified to produce linalool. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the conditioning film deposition was in the form of spike-like structures on all the materials except PVC. The average heights (in the range 9 - 16 nm) of the conditioning films deposited on glass, PMMA, PC and HDPE were 11 to 20 times higher than on PVC at 96 h. The time dependent change in thickness of conditioning films correlated well with Anabaena cell attachment to the PBR materials. The rapid and significant colonization of Anabaena on glass within 48 h was consistent with the increase in thickness of the conditioning film within this time period. Lack of the conditioning film spike structures and no change in thickness of the conditioning films with time on the PVC together with comparatively delayed cell attachment and conditioning-film protein deposition on this material, indicated that the nanoscale spike structures on the other PBR materials may be accelerating the cell attachment process but are not a prerequisite for cell attachment. These results suggest that PVC should be explored further as an antifouling material for photobioreactors. The thickness of the conditioning films on glass measured by a scratch and scan method was in good agreement with the thickness values measured by an adhesive tape method, indicating that both these methods can be used for fast and reliable AFM thickness determination of bacterial conditioning films.

Interactions between activated sludge extracellular polymeric substances and model carrier surfaces in WWTPs: A combination of QCM-D, AFM and XDLVO prediction

To understand the biofilm formation of biofilm-based processes in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), the interaction mechanisms between extracted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and three model carrier surfaces (i.e., negatively charged hydrophilic silica, positively charged hydrophilic alumina, and neutral charged hydrophobic polystyrene) were investigated employing a laboratory quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring equipment (QCM-D) and an atomic force microscope (AFM). The data suggested that surface charge and hydrophobicity of both EPS and carriers played significant roles in the interaction behaviors. Moreover, increases in ionic strength could lead to the increasing zeta potential and hydrophobicity of EPS. It is worth noting that long-range DLVO forces dominated the EPS deposition on carriers in lower ionic strength while short-range Lewis acid-base (AB) interaction controlled the adhesion behaviors in higher ionic strength. Besides, the presence of calcium ions contributed to the adhesion behaviors because of strong charge neutralization and hydrophobic effect. Bound EPS (BEPS) showed higher affinity to model carriers than dissolved EPS (DEPS), which conformed to XDLVO prediction rather than classical DLVO model. Overall, these results provide insights into the influence mechanisms of carrier characteristics, ionic strength, calcium ion and EPS components on the interaction between EPS and representative carriers, contributing to predict and regulate biofilm formation in biofilm-based processes.

In situ spectroscopic analysis of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG flow on an abiotic surface reveals a role for nutrients in biofilm development

In this work, infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor the changes in the biochemical composition of biofilms of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in three nutritive media (10-fold diluted MRS, AOAC, and mTSB), in situ and under flow conditions. Epifluorescence microscopy was used to observe the shape of LGG cells and their distribution on the surface. Spectroscopic fingerprints recorded as a function of time revealed a medium-dependent content of nucleic acids, phospholipids and polysaccharides in the biofilms. In addition, time-dependent synthesis of lactic acid was observed in MRS/10 and AOAC/10. Polysaccharides were produced to the highest extent in mTSB/10, and the biofilms obtained were the densest in this medium. The rod shape of the cells was preserved in MRS/10, whereas acidic stress induced in AOAC/10 and the nutritional quality of mTSB/10 led to strong morphological changes. These alterations due to the nutritive environment are important to consider in research and use of LGG biofilms.

Cyclic Changes in the Amide Bands Within Escherichia coli Biofilms Monitored Using Real-Time Infrared Attenuated Total Reflection Spectroscopy (IR-ATR)

Contrary to the planktonic state of bacteria, their biofilm form represents severe complications in areas such as human medicine or food industry due to the increasing resistance against harsh conditions and treatment. In the present study, infrared attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR) spectroscopy has been applied as an analytic tool studying Escherichia coli ( E. coli) biofilm formation close to real time. We report on IR spectroscopic investigations on the biofilm formation via ATR waveguides probing the biofilm in the spectral window of 1800-900 cm^-1 at dynamic flow conditions, which facilitated monitoring the growth dynamics during several days. Key IR bands are in the range 1700-1590 cm^-1 (amide I), 1580-1490 cm^-1 (amide II), and 1141-1006 cm^-1 extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which were evaluated as a function of time. Cyclic fluctuations of the amide I and amide II bands and a continuous increase of the EPS band were related to the starvation of bottom-layered bacteria caused by the nutrient gradient. Potential death of bacteria may then result in cannibalistic behavior known for E. coli colonies. Observing this behavior via IR spectroscopy allows revealing these cyclical changes in bottom-layered bacteria within the biofilm under continuous nutrient flow, in molecular detail, and during extended periods for the first time.

In situ and real time investigation of the evolution of a Pseudomonas fluorescens nascent biofilm in the presence of an antimicrobial peptide

Against the increase of bacterial resistance to traditional antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are considered as promising alternatives. Bacterial biofilms are more resistant to antibiotics that their planktonic counterpart. The purpose of this study was to investigate the action of an AMP against a nascent bacterial biofilm. The activity of dermaseptin S4 derivative S4(1-16)M4Ka against 6 h-old Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms was assessed by using a combination of Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform InfraRed (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy in situ and in real time, fluorescence microscopy using the Baclight™ kit, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM, imaging and force spectroscopy). After exposure to the peptide at three concentrations, different dramatic and fast changes over time were observed in the ATR-FTIR fingerprints reflecting a concentration-dependent action of the AMP. The ATR-FTIR spectra revealed major biochemical and physiological changes, adsorption/accumulation of the AMP on the bacteria, loss of membrane lipids, bacterial detachment, bacterial regrowth, or inhibition of biofilm growth. AFM allowed estimating at the nanoscale the effect of the AMP on the nanomechanical properties of the sessile bacteria. The bacterial membrane elasticity data measured by force spectroscopy were consistent with ATR-FTIR spectra, and they allowed suggesting a mechanism of action of this AMP on sessile P. fluorescens. The combination of these three techniques is a powerful tool for in situ and in real time monitoring the activity of AMPs against bacteria in a biofilm.

Spatiotemporal distribution of different extracellular polymeric substances and filamentation mediate Xylella fastidiosa adhesion and biofilm formation

Microorganism pathogenicity strongly relies on the generation of multicellular assemblies, called biofilms. Understanding their organization can unveil vulnerabilities leading to potential treatments; spatially and temporally-resolved comprehensive experimental characterization can provide new details of biofilm formation, and possibly new targets for disease control. Here, biofilm formation of economically important phytopathogen Xylella fastidiosa was analyzed at single-cell resolution using nanometer-resolution spectro-microscopy techniques, addressing the role of different types of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) at each stage of the entire bacterial life cycle. Single cell adhesion is caused by unspecific electrostatic interactions through proteins at the cell polar region, where EPS accumulation is required for more firmly-attached, irreversibly adhered cells. Subsequently, bacteria form clusters, which are embedded in secreted loosely-bound EPS, and bridged by up to ten-fold elongated cells that form the biofilm framework. During biofilm maturation, soluble EPS forms a filamentous matrix that facilitates cell adhesion and provides mechanical support, while the biofilm keeps anchored by few cells. This floating architecture maximizes nutrient distribution while allowing detachment upon larger shear stresses; it thus complies with biological requirements of the bacteria life cycle. Using new approaches, our findings provide insights regarding different aspects of the adhesion process of X. fastidiosa and biofilm formation.

Surface physicochemical properties at the micro and nano length scales: role on bacterial adhesion and Xylella fastidiosa biofilm development

The phytopathogen Xylella fastidiosa grows as a biofilm causing vascular occlusion and consequently nutrient and water stress in different plant hosts by adhesion on xylem vessel surfaces composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and proteins. Understanding the factors which influence bacterial adhesion and biofilm development is a key issue in identifying mechanisms for preventing biofilm formation in infected plants. In this study, we show that X. fastidiosa biofilm development and architecture correlate well with physicochemical surface properties after interaction with the culture medium. Different biotic and abiotic substrates such as silicon (Si) and derivatized cellulose films were studied. Both biofilms and substrates were characterized at the micro- and nanoscale, which corresponds to the actual bacterial cell and membrane/ protein length scales, respectively. Our experimental results clearly indicate that the presence of surfaces with different chemical composition affect X. fastidiosa behavior from the point of view of gene expression and adhesion functionality. Bacterial adhesion is facilitated on more hydrophilic surfaces with higher surface potentials; XadA1 adhesin reveals different strengths of interaction on these surfaces. Nonetheless, despite different architectural biofilm geometries and rates of development, the colonization process occurs on all investigated surfaces. Our results univocally support the hypothesis that different adhesion mechanisms are active along the biofilm life cycle representing an adaptation mechanism for variations on the specific xylem vessel composition, which the bacterium encounters within the infected plant.