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Wen K, Gorbushina AA, Schwibbert K, Bell J. Microfluidic Platform with Precisely Controlled Hydrodynamic Parameters and Integrated Features for Generation of Microvortices to Accurately Form and Monitor Biofilms in Flow. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:4626-4634. [PMID: 38904279 PMCID: PMC11234330 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Microorganisms often live in habitats characterized by fluid flow, and their adhesion to surfaces in industrial systems or clinical settings may lead to pipe clogging, microbially influenced corrosion, material deterioration, food spoilage, infections, and human illness. Here, a novel microfluidic platform was developed to investigate biofilm formation under precisely controlled (i) cell concentration, (ii) temperature, and (iii) flow conditions. The developed platform central unit is a single-channel microfluidic flow cell designed to ensure ultrahomogeneous flow and condition in its central area, where features, e.g., with trapping properties, can be incorporated. In comparison to static and macroflow chamber assays for biofilm studies, microfluidic chips allow in situ monitoring of biofilm formation under various flow regimes and have better environment control and smaller sample requirements. Flow simulations and experiments with fluorescent particles were used to simulate bacteria flow in the platform cell for calculating flow velocity and direction at the microscale level. The combination of flow analysis and fluorescent strain injection in the cell showed that microtraps placed at the center of the channel were efficient in capturing bacteria at determined positions and to study how flow conditions, especially microvortices, can affect biofilm formation. The microfluidic platform exhibited improved performances in terms of homogeneity and robustness for in vitro biofilm formation. We anticipate the presented platform to be suitable for broad, versatile, and high-throughput biofilm studies at the microscale level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keqing Wen
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, Berlin 12205, Germany
- Freie Universität Berlin, Kaiserswerther Str. 16-18, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Anna A Gorbushina
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, Berlin 12205, Germany
- Freie Universität Berlin, Kaiserswerther Str. 16-18, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Karin Schwibbert
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, Berlin 12205, Germany
| | - Jérémy Bell
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, Berlin 12205, Germany
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2
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Rafiee Z, Rezaie M, Choi S. Combined electrical-electrochemical phenotypic profiling of antibiotic susceptibility of in vitro biofilm models. Analyst 2024; 149:3224-3235. [PMID: 38686667 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00393d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
More than 65% of bacterial infections are caused by biofilms. However, standard biofilm susceptibility tests are not available for clinical use. All conventional biofilm models suffer from a long formation time and fail to mimic in vivo microbial biofilm conditions. Moreover, biofilms make it difficult to monitor the effectiveness of antibiotics. This work creates a powerful yet simple method to form a target biofilm and develops an innovative approach to monitoring the antibiotic's efficacy against a biofilm-associated infection. A paper-based culture platform can provide a new strategy for rapid microbial biofilm formation through capillary action. A combined electrical-electrochemical technique monitors bacterial metabolism rapidly and reliably by measuring microbial extracellular electron transfer (EET) and using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) across a microbe-electrode interface. Three representative pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, form their biofilms controllably within an hour. Within another hour their susceptibilities to three frontline antibiotics with different action modes (gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime) are examined. Our antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) technique provides a quantifiable minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of those antibiotics against the in vitro biofilm models and characterizes their action mechanisms. The results will have an important positive effect because they provide immediately actionable healthcare information at a reduced cost, revolutionizing public healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rafiee
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, 13902, USA.
| | - Maryam Rezaie
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, 13902, USA.
| | - Seokheun Choi
- Bioelectronics & Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, 13902, USA.
- Center for Research in Advanced Sensing Technologies & Environmental Sustainability, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, 13902, USA
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3
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Tang Y, Zhang Z, Tao C, Wang X. The mechanism of biofilm detachment in porous medium under flow field. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:034103. [PMID: 38737754 PMCID: PMC11080962 DOI: 10.1063/5.0203061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Biofilms are communities formed by bacteria adhering to surfaces, widely present in porous medium, and their growth can lead to clogging. Our experiment finds that under certain flow conditions, biofilms detach in pores and form a dynamically changing flow path. We define detachment that occurs far from the boundary of the flow path (with a distance greater than 200 μm) as internal detachment and detachment that occurs at the boundary of the flow path as external detachment. To understand the mechanism of biofilm detachment, we study the detachment behaviors of the Bacillus subtilis biofilm in a porous medium in a microfluidic device, where Bacillus subtilis strain is triple fluorescent labeled, which can represent three main phenotypes during the biofilm formation: motile cells, matrix-producing cells, and spores. We find that slow small-scale internal detachment occurs in regions with very few motile cells and matrix-producing cells, and bacterial movement in these areas is disordered. The increase in the number of matrix-producing cells induces clogging, and after clogging, the rapid detachment of the bulk internal biofilm occurs due to the increased pressure difference at the inlet and outlet. When both internal and external detachments occur simultaneously, the number of matrix-producing cells in the internal detachment area is 2.5 times that in the external detachment area. The results indicate that biofilm detachment occurs in areas with fewer matrix-producing cells, as matrix-producing cells can help resist detachment by secreting extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Tang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Cong Tao
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
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Jeong GJ, Khan F, Tabassum N, Cho KJ, Kim YM. Marine-derived bioactive materials as antibiofilm and antivirulence agents. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00090-8. [PMID: 38637243 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Microbial infections are major human health issues, and, recently, the mortality rate owing to bacterial and fungal infections has been increasing. In addition to intrinsic and extrinsic antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, biofilm formation is a key adaptive resistance mechanism. Several bioactive compounds from marine organisms have been identified for use in biofilm therapy owing to their structural complexity, biocompatibility, and economic viability. In this review, we discuss recent trends in the application of marine natural compounds, marine-bioinspired nanomaterials, and marine polymer conjugates as possible therapeutic agents for controlling biofilms and virulence factors. We also comprehensively discuss the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation and inhibition of virulence factors by marine-derived materials and propose possible applications of novel and effective antibiofilm and antivirulence agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geum-Jae Jeong
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Fazlurrahman Khan
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Institute of Fisheries Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nazia Tabassum
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Jin Cho
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Srivastava A, Verma N, Kumar V, Apoorva P, Agarwal V. Biofilm inhibition/eradication: exploring strategies and confronting challenges in combatting biofilm. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:212. [PMID: 38616221 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03938-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms enclosed in a self-produced extracellular matrix, posing a significant threat to different sectors, including healthcare and industry. This review provides an overview of the challenges faced due to biofilm formation and different novel strategies that can combat biofilm formation. Bacteria inside the biofilm exhibit increased resistance against different antimicrobial agents, including conventional antibiotics, which can lead to severe problems in livestock and animals, including humans. In addition, biofilm formation also imposes heavy economic pressure on industries. Hence it becomes necessary to explore newer alternatives to eradicate biofilms effectively without applying selection pressure on the bacteria. Excessive usage of antibiotics may also lead to an increase in the number of resistant strains as bacteria employ an advanced antimicrobial resistance mechanism. This review provides insight into multifaceted technologies like quorum sensing inhibition, enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophage, phytocompounds, and nanotechnology to neutralize biofilms without developing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Furthermore, it will pave the way for developing newer therapeutic agents to deal with biofilms more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anmol Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211004, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nidhi Verma
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211004, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211004, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pragati Apoorva
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211004, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vishnu Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211004, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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6
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Ruijgrok G, Wu DY, Overkleeft HS, Codée JDC. Synthesis and application of bacterial exopolysaccharides. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2024; 78:102418. [PMID: 38134611 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Exopolysaccharides are produced and excreted by bacteria in the generation of biofilms to provide a protective environment. These polysaccharides are generally generated as heterogeneous polymers of varying length, featuring diverse substitution patterns. To obtain well-defined fragments of these polysaccharides, organic synthesis often is the method of choice, as it allows for full control over chain length and the installation of a pre-determined substitution pattern. This review presents several recent syntheses of exopolysaccharide fragments of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and illustrates how these have been used to study biosynthesis enzymes and generate synthetic glycoconjugate vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs Ruijgrok
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333, CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dung-Yeh Wu
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333, CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Herman S Overkleeft
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333, CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen D C Codée
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333, CC Leiden, the Netherlands.
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7
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Kruse L, Loeschcke A, de Witt J, Wierckx N, Jaeger K, Thies S. Halopseudomonas species: Cultivation and molecular genetic tools. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14369. [PMID: 37991430 PMCID: PMC10832565 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Halopseudomonas species, formerly classified as Pseudomonas pertucinogena lineage, form a unique phylogenetic branch within the Pseudomonads. Most strains have recently been isolated from challenging habitats including oil- or metal-polluted sites, deep sea, and intertidal zones, suggesting innate resilience to physical and chemical stresses. Despite their comparably small genomes, these bacteria synthesise several biomolecules with biotechnological potential and a role in the degradation of anthropogenic pollutants has been suggested for some Halopseudomonads. Until now, these bacteria are not readily amenable to existing cultivation and cloning methods. We addressed these limitations by selecting four Halopseudomonas strains of particular interest, namely H. aestusnigri, H. bauzanensis, H. litoralis, and H. oceani to establish microbiological and molecular genetic methods. We found that C4 -C10 dicarboxylic acids serve as viable carbon sources in both complex and mineral salt cultivation media. We also developed plasmid DNA transfer protocols and assessed vectors with different origins of replication and promoters inducible with isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactopyranoside, l-arabinose, and salicylate. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the simultaneous genomic integration of expression cassettes into one and two attTn7 integration sites. Our results provide a valuable toolbox for constructing robust chassis strains and highlight the biotechnological potential of Halopseudomonas strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzie Kruse
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme TechnologyHeinrich Heine UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Anita Loeschcke
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme TechnologyHeinrich Heine UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Jan de Witt
- Institute of Bio‐ and Geosciences IBG‐1: BiotechnologyJülichGermany
| | - Nick Wierckx
- Institute of Bio‐ and Geosciences IBG‐1: BiotechnologyJülichGermany
| | - Karl‐Erich Jaeger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme TechnologyHeinrich Heine UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
- Institute of Bio‐ and Geosciences IBG‐1: BiotechnologyJülichGermany
| | - Stephan Thies
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme TechnologyHeinrich Heine UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
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8
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Prabhukhot GS, Eggleton CD, Patel J. Multispecies Bacterial Biofilms and Their Evaluation Using Bioreactors. Foods 2023; 12:4495. [PMID: 38137299 PMCID: PMC10742677 DOI: 10.3390/foods12244495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic biofilm formation within food processing industries raises a serious public health and safety concern, and places burdens on the economy. Biofilm formation on equipment surfaces is a rather complex phenomenon, wherein multiple steps are involved in bacterial biofilm formation. In this review we discuss the stages of biofilm formation, the existing literature on the impact of surface properties and shear stress on biofilms, types of bioreactors, and antimicrobial coatings. The review underscores the significance of prioritizing biofilm prevention strategies as a first line of defense, followed by control measures. Utilizing specific biofilm eradication strategies as opposed to a uniform approach is crucial because biofilms exhibit different behavioral outcomes even amongst the same species when the environmental conditions change. This review is geared towards biofilm researchers and food safety experts, and seeks to derive insights into the scope of biofilm formation, prevention, and control. The use of suitable bioreactors is paramount to understanding the mechanisms of biofilm formation. The findings provide useful information to researchers involved in bioreactor selection for biofilm investigation, and food processors in surfaces with novel antimicrobial coatings, which provide minimal bacterial attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grishma S. Prabhukhot
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; (G.S.P.); (C.D.E.)
| | - Charles D. Eggleton
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; (G.S.P.); (C.D.E.)
| | - Jitendra Patel
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Environmental and Microbial Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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9
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Biagini F, Botte E, Calvigioni M, De Maria C, Mazzantini D, Celandroni F, Ghelardi E, Vozzi G. A Millifluidic Chamber for Controlled Shear Stress Testing: Application to Microbial Cultures. Ann Biomed Eng 2023; 51:2923-2933. [PMID: 37713099 PMCID: PMC10632311 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03361-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
In vitro platforms such as bioreactors and microfluidic devices are commonly designed to engineer tissue models as well as to replicate the crosstalk between cells and microorganisms hosted in the human body. These systems promote nutrient supply and waste removal through culture medium recirculation; consequently, they intrinsically expose cellular structures to shear stress, be it a desired mechanical stimulus to drive the cell fate or a potential inhibitor for the model maturation. Assessing the impact of shear stress on cellular or microbial cultures thus represents a crucial step to define proper environmental conditions for in vitro models. In this light, the aim of this study was to develop a millifluidic device enabling to generate fully controlled shear stress profiles for quantitatively probing its influence on tissue or bacterial models, overcoming the limitations of previous reports proposing similar devices. Relying on this millifluidic tool, we present a systematic methodology to test how adherent cellular structures react to shear forces, which was applied to the case of microbial biofilms as a proof of concept. The results obtained suggest our approach as a suitable testbench to evaluate culture conditions in terms of shear stress faced by cells or microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Biagini
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ermes Botte
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Calvigioni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 35, 56123, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carmelo De Maria
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diletta Mazzantini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 35, 56123, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Celandroni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 35, 56123, Pisa, Italy
| | - Emilia Ghelardi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 35, 56123, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vozzi
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122, Pisa, Italy.
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Niu J, Chen D, Shang C, Xiao L, Wang Y, Zeng W, Zheng X, Chen Z, Du X, Chen X. Niche Differentiation of Biofilm Microorganisms in a Full-scale Municipal Drinking Water Distribution System in China and Their Implication for Biofilm Control. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:2770-2780. [PMID: 37542538 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02274-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms on the inner surface of a drinking water distribution system (DWDS) affect water quality and stability. Understanding the niche differentiation of biofilm microbial communities is necessary for the efficient control of DWDS biofilms. However, biofilm studies are difficult to conduct in the actual DWDS because of inaccessibility to the pipes buried underground. Taking the opportunity of infrastructure construction and relevant pipeline replacement in China, biofilms in a DWDS (a water main and its branch pipes) were collected in situ, followed by analysis on the abundances and community structures of bacterial and archaeal using quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing, respectively. Results showed that archaea were detected only in the biofilms of the water main, with a range of 9.4×103~1.1×105 copies/cm2. By contrast, bacteria were detected in the biofilms of branch pipes and the distal part of the water main, with a range of 8.8×103~9.6×106 copies/cm2. Among the biofilm samples, the archaeal community in the central part of the water main showed the highest richness and diversity. Nitrosopumilus was found to be predominant (86.22%) in the biofilms of the proximal part of the water main. However, Methanobrevibacter (87.15%) predominated in the distal part of the water main. The bacterial community of the water main and branch pipes was primarily composed of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria at the phylum level, respectively. Regardless of archaea or bacteria, only few operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (<0.5% of total OTUs) were shared by all the biofilms, indicating the niche differentiation of biofilm microorganisms. Moreover, the high Mn content in the biofilms of the distal sampling location (D3) in the water main was linked to the predominance of Bacillus. Functional gene prediction revealed that the proportion of infectious disease-related genes was 0.44-0.67% in the tested biofilms. Furthermore, functional genes related to the resistance of the bacterial community to disinfections and antibiotics were detected in all the samples, that is, glutathione metabolism-relating genes (0.14-0.65%) and beta-lactam resistance gene (0.01-0.05%). The results of this study indicate the ubiquity of archaea and bacteria in the biofilms of water main and branch pipes, respectively, and pipe diameters could be a major influencing factor on bacterial community structure. In the water main, the key finding was the predominant existence of archaea, particularly Nitrosopumilus and methanogen. Hence, their routine monitoring and probable influences on water quality in pipelines with large diameter should be given more attention. Besides, since Mn-related Bacillus and suspected pathogenic Enterococcus were detected in the biofilm, supplementation of disinfectant may be a feasible strategy for inhibiting their growth and ensuring water quality. In addition, the monitoring on their abundance variation could help to determine the frequency and methods of pipeline maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Niu
- Center of Safe and Energy-saving Engineering Technology for Urban Water Supply and Drainage System, School of Ecological Environment and Urban Construction, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350118, People's Republic of China
| | - Daogan Chen
- Center of Safe and Energy-saving Engineering Technology for Urban Water Supply and Drainage System, School of Ecological Environment and Urban Construction, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350118, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenghao Shang
- Center of Safe and Energy-saving Engineering Technology for Urban Water Supply and Drainage System, School of Ecological Environment and Urban Construction, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350118, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Xiao
- Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Rural Waste Recycling Technology, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- Fuzhou Water Supply Company, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Wuqiang Zeng
- Center of Safe and Energy-saving Engineering Technology for Urban Water Supply and Drainage System, School of Ecological Environment and Urban Construction, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350118, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianliang Zheng
- Center of Safe and Energy-saving Engineering Technology for Urban Water Supply and Drainage System, School of Ecological Environment and Urban Construction, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350118, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyi Chen
- Center of Safe and Energy-saving Engineering Technology for Urban Water Supply and Drainage System, School of Ecological Environment and Urban Construction, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350118, People's Republic of China
| | - Xupu Du
- Center of Safe and Energy-saving Engineering Technology for Urban Water Supply and Drainage System, School of Ecological Environment and Urban Construction, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350118, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaochen Chen
- Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Rural Waste Recycling Technology, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Portas A, Carriot N, Ortalo-Magné A, Damblans G, Thiébaut M, Culioli G, Quillien N, Briand JF. Impact of hydrodynamics on community structure and metabolic production of marine biofouling formed in a highly energetic estuary. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 192:106241. [PMID: 37922705 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Biofouling is a specific lifestyle including both marine prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities. Hydrodynamics are poorly studied parameters affecting biofouling formation. This study aimed to investigate how water dynamics in the Etel Estuary (Northwest Atlantic coasts of France) influences the colonization of artificial substrates. Hydrodynamic conditions, mainly identified as shear stress, were characterized by measuring current velocity, turbulence intensity and energy using Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). One-month biofouling was analyzed by coupling metabarcoding (16S rRNA, 18S rRNA and COI genes), untargeted metabolomics (liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, LC-HRMS) and characterization of the main biochemical components of the microbial exopolymeric matrix. A higher richness was observed for biofouling communities (prokaryotes and eukaryotes) exposed to the strongest currents. Ectopleura (Cnidaria) and its putative symbionts Endozoicomonas (Gammaproteobacteria) were dominant in the less dynamic conditions. Eukaryotes assemblages were specifically shaped by shear stress, leading to drastic changes in metabolite profiles. Under high hydrodynamic conditions, the exopolymeric matrix increased and was composed of 6 times more polysaccharides than proteins, these latter playing a crucial role in the adhesion and cohesion properties of biofilms. This original multidisciplinary approach demonstrated the importance of shear stress on both the structure of marine biofouling and the metabolic response of these complex communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Portas
- France Energies Marines, Plouzané, France; MAPIEM, EA 4323, Université de Toulon, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Gérald Culioli
- MAPIEM, EA 4323, Université de Toulon, France; IMBE, Aix-Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon, France
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Tsagkari E, Sloan W. The Role of Chlorine in the Formation and Development of Tap Water Biofilms under Different Flow Regimes. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2680. [PMID: 38004692 PMCID: PMC10673482 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Water companies make efforts to reduce the risk of microbial contamination in drinking water. A widely used strategy is to introduce chlorine into the drinking water distribution system (DWDS). A subtle potential risk is that non-lethal chlorine residuals may select for chlorine resistant species in the biofilms that reside in DWDS. Here, we quantify the thickness, density, and coverage of naturally occurring multi-species biofilms grown on slides in tap water with and without chlorine, using fluorescence microscopy. We then place the slides in an annular rotating reactor and expose them to fluid-wall shears, which are redolent of those on pipe walls in DWDS. We found that biofilms in chlorine experiment were thicker, denser and with higher coverage than in non-chlorine conditions under all flow regimes and during incubation. This suggests that the formation and development of biofilms was promoted by chlorine. Surprisingly, for both chlorinated and non-chlorinated conditions, biofilm thickness, density and coverage were all positively correlated with shear stress. More differences were detected in biofilms under the different flow regimes in non-chlorine than in chlorine experiments. This suggests a more robust biofilm under chlorine conditions. While this might imply less mobilization of biofilms in high shear events in pipe networks, it might also provide refuge from chlorine residuals for pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erifyli Tsagkari
- School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK;
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13
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Li P, Yin R, Cheng J, Lin J. Bacterial Biofilm Formation on Biomaterials and Approaches to Its Treatment and Prevention. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11680. [PMID: 37511440 PMCID: PMC10380251 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms can cause widespread infection. In addition to causing urinary tract infections and pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis, biofilms can help microorganisms adhere to the surfaces of various medical devices, causing biofilm-associated infections on the surfaces of biomaterials such as venous ducts, joint prostheses, mechanical heart valves, and catheters. Biofilms provide a protective barrier for bacteria and provide resistance to antimicrobial agents, which increases the morbidity and mortality of patients. This review summarizes biofilm formation processes and resistance mechanisms, as well as the main features of clinically persistent infections caused by biofilms. Considering the various infections caused by clinical medical devices, we introduce two main methods to prevent and treat biomaterial-related biofilm infection: antibacterial coatings and the surface modification of biomaterials. Antibacterial coatings depend on the covalent immobilization of antimicrobial agents on the coating surface and drug release to prevent and combat infection, while the surface modification of biomaterials affects the adhesion behavior of cells on the surfaces of implants and the subsequent biofilm formation process by altering the physical and chemical properties of the implant material surface. The advantages of each strategy in terms of their antibacterial effect, biocompatibility, limitations, and application prospects are analyzed, providing ideas and research directions for the development of novel biofilm infection strategies related to therapeutic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jinshui Lin
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Jujube, College of Life Sciences, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China; (P.L.); (R.Y.); (J.C.)
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14
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García-Diéguez L, Diaz-Tang G, Marin Meneses E, Cruise V, Barraza I, Craddock TJ, Smith RP. Periodically disturbing biofilms reduces expression of quorum sensing-regulated virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. iScience 2023; 26:106843. [PMID: 37255658 PMCID: PMC10225924 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses quorum sensing to regulate the expression of virulence factors. In static environments, spatial structures, such as biofilms, can increase the expression of these virulence factors. However, in natural settings, biofilms are exposed to physical forces that disrupt spatial structure, which may affect the expression of virulence factors regulated by quorum sensing. We show that periodically disturbing biofilms composed of P. aeruginosa using a physical force reduces the expression of quorum sensing-regulated virulence factors. At an intermediate disturbance frequency, the expression of virulence factors in the las, rhl, and pqs regulons is reduced. Mathematical modeling suggests that perturbation of the pqsR receptor is critical for this reduction. Removing the lasR receptor enhances the reduction in the expression of virulence factors as a result of disturbance. Our results allow identification of environments where virulence is reduced and implicate the lasR receptor as having a buffering role against disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura García-Diéguez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale FL 33314, USA
| | - Gabriela Diaz-Tang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale FL 33314, USA
| | - Estefania Marin Meneses
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale FL 33314, USA
| | - Vanessa Cruise
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale FL 33314, USA
| | - Ivana Barraza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale FL 33314, USA
| | - Travis J.A. Craddock
- Clinical Systems Biology Group, Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale FL 33314, USA
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale FL 33314, USA
- Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computing, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale FL 33314, USA
- Department of Clinical Immunology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale FL 33314, USA
| | - Robert P. Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale FL 33314, USA
- Cell Therapy Institute, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale FL 33314, USA
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15
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Bravo P, Lung Ng S, MacGillivray KA, Hammer BK, Yunker PJ. Vertical growth dynamics of biofilms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2214211120. [PMID: 36881625 PMCID: PMC10089195 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214211120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During the biofilm life cycle, bacteria attach to a surface and then reproduce, forming crowded, growing communities. Many theoretical models of biofilm growth dynamics have been proposed; however, difficulties in accurately measuring biofilm height across relevant time and length scales have prevented testing these models, or their biophysical underpinnings, empirically. Using white light interferometry, we measure the heights of microbial colonies with nanometer precision from inoculation to their final equilibrium height, producing a detailed empirical characterization of vertical growth dynamics. We propose a heuristic model for vertical growth dynamics based on basic biophysical processes inside a biofilm: diffusion and consumption of nutrients and growth and decay of the colony. This model captures the vertical growth dynamics from short to long time scales (10 min to 14 d) of diverse microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Bravo
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332
- Interdisciplinary Program in Quantitative Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332
| | - Siu Lung Ng
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332
| | - Kathryn A. MacGillivray
- Interdisciplinary Program in Quantitative Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332
| | - Brian K. Hammer
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332
| | - Peter J. Yunker
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332
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Michaelis C, Grohmann E. Horizontal Gene Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020328. [PMID: 36830238 PMCID: PMC9952180 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Most bacteria attach to biotic or abiotic surfaces and are embedded in a complex matrix which is known as biofilm. Biofilm formation is especially worrisome in clinical settings as it hinders the treatment of infections with antibiotics due to the facilitated acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Environmental settings are now considered as pivotal for driving biofilm formation, biofilm-mediated antibiotic resistance development and dissemination. Several studies have demonstrated that environmental biofilms can be hotspots for the dissemination of ARGs. These genes can be encoded on mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as conjugative and mobilizable plasmids or integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). ARGs can be rapidly transferred through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) which has been shown to occur more frequently in biofilms than in planktonic cultures. Biofilm models are promising tools to mimic natural biofilms to study the dissemination of ARGs via HGT. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art of biofilm studies and the techniques that visualize the three main HGT mechanisms in biofilms: transformation, transduction, and conjugation.
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17
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Dynamic Salmonella Enteritidis biofilms development under different flow conditions and their removal using nanoencapsulated thymol. Biofilm 2022; 4:100094. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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