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Romeu MJ, Miranda JM, de Jong ED, Morais J, Vasconcelos V, Sjollema J, Mergulhão FJ. Understanding the flow behavior around marine biofilms. Biofilm 2024; 7:100204. [PMID: 38948680 PMCID: PMC11214183 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro platforms capable of mimicking the hydrodynamic conditions prevailing in natural aquatic environments have been previously validated and used to predict the fouling behavior on different surfaces. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been used to predict the shear forces occurring in these platforms. In general, these predictions are made for the initial stages of biofilm formation, where the amount of biofilm does not affect the flow behavior, enabling the estimation of the shear forces that initial adhering organisms have to withstand. In this work, we go a step further in understanding the flow behavior when a mature biofilm is present in such platforms to better understand the shear rate distribution affecting marine biofilms. Using 3D images obtained by Optical Coherence Tomography, a mesh was produced and used in CFD simulations. Biofilms of two different marine cyanobacteria were developed in agitated microtiter plates incubated at two different shaking frequencies for 7 weeks. The biofilm-flow interactions were characterized in terms of the velocity field and shear rate distribution. Results show that global hydrodynamics imposed by the different shaking frequencies affect biofilm architecture and also that this architecture affects local hydrodynamics, causing a large heterogeneity in the shear rate field. Biofilm cells located in the streamers of the biofilm are subjected to much higher shear values than those located on the bottom of the streamers and this dispersion in shear rate values increases at lower bulk fluid velocities. This heterogeneity in the shear force field may be a contributing factor for the heterogeneous behavior in metabolic activity, growth status, gene expression pattern, and antibiotic resistance often associated with nutrient availability within the biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Romeu
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - João M. Miranda
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- CEFT—Transport Phenomena Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ed. D. de Jong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 97 13 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - João Morais
- CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Vítor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jelmer Sjollema
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 97 13 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Filipe J. Mergulhão
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
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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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Zhang Y, Young P, Traini D, Li M, Ong HX, Cheng S. Challenges and current advances in in vitro biofilm characterization. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2300074. [PMID: 37477959 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300074] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are structured communities of bacterial cells encased in a self-produced polymeric matrix, which develop over time and exhibit temporal responses to stimuli from internal biological processes or external environmental changes. They can be detrimental, threatening public health and causing economic loss, while they also play beneficial roles in ecosystem health, biotechnology processes, and industrial settings. Biofilms express extreme heterogeneity in their physical properties and structural composition, resulting in critical challenges in understanding them comprehensively. The lack of detailed knowledge of biofilms and their phenotypes has deterred significant progress in developing strategies to control their negative impacts and take advantage of their beneficial applications. A range of in vitro models and characterization tools have been developed and used to study biofilm growth and, specifically, to investigate the impact of environmental and growth factors on their development. This review article discusses the existing knowledge of biofilm properties and explains how external factors, such as flow condition, surface, interface, and host factor, may impact biofilm growth. The limitations of current tools, techniques, and in vitro models that are currently used for biofilms are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Young
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Marketing, Macquarie Business School, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniela Traini
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ming Li
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hui Xin Ong
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaokoon Cheng
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Lactobacillus plantarum strains show diversity in biofilm formation under flow conditions. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12602. [PMID: 36619453 PMCID: PMC9816783 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In many natural and technological applications, microbial biofilms grow under fluid flow. In this project, we investigated the influence of flow on the formation and growth of biofilms produced by gram-positive Lactobacillus plantarum strains WCFS1 and CIP104448. We used an in-house designed device based on a 48-well plate with culture volumes of 0.8 ml, and quantified total biofilm formation under static and flow conditions with flow rates 0.8, 1.6, 3.2 and 4.8 ml/h (with 1, 2, 4 and 6 volume changes per hour) using crystal violet (CV) staining, and determined the number of viable biofilm cells based on plate counts. The amount of total biofilm under flow conditions increased in the CIP 104448 strain, with significantly increased staining at the wall of the wells. However, in the WCFS1 strain, no significant difference in the amount of biofilm formed under flow and static conditions was observed. Plate counts showed that flow caused an increase in the number of viable biofilm cells for both strains. In addition, using enzyme treatment experiments, we found that for WCFS1 in the static condition, the amount of mature biofilm was declined after DNase I and Proteinase K treatment, while for flow conditions, the decline was only observed for DNase I treatment. The CIP104448 biofilms formed under both static and flow conditions only showed a decline in the CV staining after adding Proteinase K, indicating different contributions of extracellular DNA (eDNA) and proteinaceous matrix components to biofilm formation in the tested strains.
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Gierl L, Horn H, Wagner M. Impact of Fe 2+ and Shear Stress on the Development and Mesoscopic Structure of Biofilms-A Bacillus subtilis Case Study. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2234. [PMID: 36422304 PMCID: PMC9699539 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bivalent cations are known to affect the structural and mechanical properties of biofilms. In order to reveal the impact of Fe2+ ions within the cultivation medium on biofilm development, structure and stability, Bacillus subtilis biofilms were cultivated in mini-fluidic flow cells. Two different Fe2+ inflow concentrations (0.25 and 2.5 mg/L, respectively) and wall shear stress levels (0.05 and 0.27 Pa, respectively) were tested. Mesoscopic biofilm structure was determined daily in situ and non-invasively by means of optical coherence tomography. A set of ten structural parameters was used to quantify biofilm structure, its development and change. The study focused on characterizing biofilm structure and development at the mesoscale (mm-range). Therefore, biofilm replicates (n = 10) were cultivated and analyzed. Three hypotheses were defined in order to estimate the effect of Fe2+ inflow concentration and/or wall shear stress on biofilm development and structure, respectively. It was not the intention to investigate and describe the underlying mechanisms of iron incorporation as this would require a different set of tools applied at microscopic levels as well as the use of, i.e., omic approaches. Fe2+ addition influenced biofilm development (e.g., biofilm accumulation) and structure markedly. Experiments revealed the accumulation of FeO(OH) within the biofilm matrix and a positive correlation of Fe2+ inflow concentration and biofilm accumulation. In more detail, independent of the wall shear stress applied during cultivation, biofilms grew approximately four times thicker at 2.5 mg Fe2+/L (44.8 µmol/L; high inflow concentration) compared to the low Fe2+ inflow concentration of 0.25 mg Fe2+/L (4.48 µmol/L). This finding was statistically verified (Scheirer-Ray-Hare test, ANOVA) and hints at a higher stability of Bacillus subtilis biofilms (e.g., elevated cohesive and adhesive strength) when grown at elevated Fe2+ inflow concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Gierl
- Water Chemistry and Water Technology, Engler-Bunte-Institut, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 9a, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Harald Horn
- Water Chemistry and Water Technology, Engler-Bunte-Institut, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 9a, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) Research Site at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Water Chemistry and Water Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 9a, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Michael Wagner
- Water Chemistry and Water Technology, Engler-Bunte-Institut, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 9a, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-1), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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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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Hydrodynamic conditions affect the proteomic profile of marine biofilms formed by filamentous cyanobacterium. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:80. [PMID: 36253388 PMCID: PMC9576798 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00340-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteomic studies on cyanobacterial biofilms can be an effective approach to unravel metabolic pathways involved in biofilm formation and, consequently, obtain more efficient biofouling control strategies. Biofilm development by the filamentous cyanobacterium Toxifilum sp. LEGE 06021 was evaluated on different surfaces, glass and perspex, and at two significant shear rates for marine environments (4 s-1 and 40 s-1). Higher biofilm development was observed at 4 s-1. Overall, about 1877 proteins were identified, and differences in proteome were more noticeable between hydrodynamic conditions than those found between surfaces. Twenty Differentially Expressed Proteins (DEPs) were found between 4 s-1 vs. 40 s-1. On glass, some of these DEPs include phage tail proteins, a carotenoid protein, cyanophynase glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase, and the MoaD/ThiS family protein, while on perspex, DEPs include transketolase, dihydroxy-acid dehydratase, iron ABC transporter substrate-binding protein and protein NusG. This study contributes to developing a standardized protocol for proteomic analysis of filamentous cyanobacterial biofilms. This kind of proteomic analysis can also be useful for different research fields, given the broad spectrum of promising secondary metabolites and added-value compounds produced by cyanobacteria, as well as for the development of new antibiofilm strategies.
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Carvalho FM, Azevedo A, Ferreira MM, Mergulhão FJM, Gomes LC. Advances on Bacterial and Fungal Biofilms for the Production of Added-Value Compounds. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11081126. [PMID: 36009752 PMCID: PMC9405441 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The production of bio-based materials, including organic acids, antibiotics, enzymes, ethanol, and hydrogen, is generally done by the cultivation of suspended cells rather than using immobilized cells. However, several studies suggest the application of productive biofilms as a reliable alternative for biocatalysis, with many advantages over suspended-growth systems. This review gives an overview of the breakthrough in the application of biofilm platforms for the sustainable production of valuable compounds, with particular insight into the latest advances in the production of recombinant proteins. Productive biofilms are shown to improve production rates and product yields, demonstrating great potential for industrial applications. Abstract In recent years, abundant research has been performed on biofilms for the production of compounds with biotechnological and industrial relevance. The use of biofilm platforms has been seen as a compelling approach to producing fine and bulk chemicals such as organic acids, alcohols, and solvents. However, the production of recombinant proteins using this system is still scarce. Biofilm reactors are known to have higher biomass density, operational stability, and potential for long-term operation than suspended cell reactors. In addition, there is an increasing demand to harness industrial and agricultural wastes and biorefinery residues to improve process sustainability and reduce production costs. The synthesis of recombinant proteins and other high-value compounds is mainly achieved using suspended cultures of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. This review discusses the use of biofilm reactors for the production of recombinant proteins and other added-value compounds using bacteria and fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio M. Carvalho
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.M.F.); (F.J.M.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Azevedo
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.M.F.); (F.J.M.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta M. Ferreira
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.M.F.); (F.J.M.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe J. M. Mergulhão
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.M.F.); (F.J.M.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luciana C. Gomes
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.M.F.); (F.J.M.M.)
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Effects of Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate (LAE) on Biofilm Detachment: Shear Rate, Concentration, and Dosing Time. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14142158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm formation is one of the main obstacles in membrane treatment. The non-oxidizing biocide ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE) is promising for mitigating biofilm development on membrane surfaces. However, the operating conditions of LAE and their impact on biofilm detachment are not comprehensively understood. In this study, a real-time in vitro flow cell system was utilized to observe biofilm dispersal caused by the shear rate, concentration, and treatment time of LAE. This confirmed that the biofilm was significantly reduced to 68.2% at a shear rate of 3.42 s−1 due to the increased physical lifting force. LAE exhibited two different mechanisms for bacterial inactivation and biofilm dispersal. Biofilms treated with LAE at sub-growth inhibitory concentrations for a longer time could effectively detach the biofilm formed on the surface of the glass slides, which can be attributed to the increased motility of microorganisms. However, a high concentration (i.e., bactericidal concentration) of LAE should be seriously considered because of the inactivated sessile bacteria and their residual debris remaining on the surface. This study sheds light on the effect of LAE on biofilm detachment and provides insights into biofouling mitigation during the membrane process.
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Hydrodynamic Effects on Biofilm Development and Recombinant Protein Expression. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050931. [PMID: 35630375 PMCID: PMC9145004 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamics play an important role in the rate of cell attachment and nutrient and oxygen transfer, which can affect biofilm development and the level of recombinant protein production. In the present study, the effects of different flow conditions on the development of Escherichia coli biofilms and the expression of a model recombinant protein (enhanced green fluorescent protein, eGFP) were examined. Planktonic and biofilm cells were grown at two different flow rates in a recirculating flow cell system for 7 days: 255 and 128 L h−1 (corresponding to a Reynolds number of 4600 and 2300, respectively). The fluorometric analysis showed that the specific eGFP production was higher in biofilms than in planktonic cells under both hydrodynamic conditions (3-fold higher for 255 L h−1 and 2-fold higher for 128 L h−1). In the biofilm cells, the percentage of eGFP-expressing cells was on average 52% higher at a flow rate of 255 L h−1. Furthermore, a higher plasmid copy number (PCN) was obtained for the highest flow rate for both planktonic (244 PCN/cell versus 118 PCN/cell) and biofilm cells (43 PCN/cell versus 29 PCN/cell). The results suggested that higher flow velocities promoted eGFP expression in E. coli biofilms.
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Ye Z, Silva DM, Traini D, Young P, Cheng S, Ong HX. An adaptable microreactor to investigate the influence of interfaces on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:1067-1077. [PMID: 35015140 PMCID: PMC8817054 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11746-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Biofilms are ubiquitous and notoriously difficult to eradicate and control, complicating human infections and industrial and agricultural biofouling. However, most of the study had used the biofilm model that attached to solid surface and developed in liquid submerged environments which generally have neglected the impact of interfaces. In our study, a reusable dual-chamber microreactor with interchangeable porous membranes was developed to establish multiple growth interfaces for biofilm culture and test. Protocol for culturing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) on the air–liquid interface (ALI) and liquid–liquid interface (LLI) under static environmental conditions for 48 h was optimized using this novel device. This study shows that LLI model biofilms are more susceptible to physical disruption compared to ALI model biofilm. SEM images revealed a unique “dome-shaped” microcolonies morphological feature, which is more distinct on ALI biofilms than LLI. Furthermore, the study showed that ALI and LLI biofilms produced a similar amount of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). As differences in biofilm structure and properties may lead to different outcomes when using the same eradication approaches, the antimicrobial effect of an antibiotic, ciprofloxacin (CIP), was chosen to test the susceptibility of a 48-h-old P. aeruginosa biofilms grown on ALI and LLI. Our results show that the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of 6-h CIP exposure for ALI and LLI biofilms is significantly different, which are 400 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL, respectively. These results highlight the importance of growth interface when developing more targeted biofilm management strategies, and our novel device provides a promising tool that enables manipulation of realistic biofilm growth. Key points • A novel dual-chamber microreactor device that enables the establishment of different interfaces for biofilm culture has been developed. • ALI model biofilms and LLI model biofilms show differences in resistance to physical disruption and antibiotic susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Ye
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dina M Silva
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniela Traini
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia
| | - Paul Young
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Marketing, Macquarie Business School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shaokoon Cheng
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | - Hui Xin Ong
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia.
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Wetting properties of dehydrated biofilms under different growth conditions. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 210:112245. [PMID: 34891062 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.112245] [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: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms are resilient to environmental conditions and often resistant even to strong disinfectants. It is crucial to investigate their interfacial properties, which can be effectively characterized by wetting analysis. Wetting phenomena on biofilm surfaces have been poorly investigated in literature, in particular a systematic study of wetting on real biofilm-coated substrates including the application of external body forces (forced wetting, i.e.: centrifugal and gravitational forces) is missing. The aim of this work is to study the role of nutrient and shear flow conditions on wetting properties of Pseudomonas fluorescens dehydrated biofilms, grown on glass substrates. An innovative device (Kerberos®), capable to study spreading/sliding behavior under the application of external body forces, is used here for a systematic analysis of wetting/de-wetting liquid droplets on horizontal substrates under the action of tangential forces. Results prove that, under different growth conditions, (i.e., nutrients and imposed flow), biofilms exhibit different wetting properties. At lower nutrient/shear flow conditions, biofilms show spreading/sliding behavior close to that of pure glass. At higher nutrient and shear flow conditions, droplets on biofilms show spreading followed by imbibition soon after deposition, which leads to peculiar droplet depinning during the rotation test. Wetting properties are derived as a function of the rotation speed from both top and side views videoframes through a dedicated image analysis technique. A detailed analysis of biofilm formation and morphology/topography is also provided here.
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Domingues B, Pacheco M, Cruz JE, Carmagnola I, Teixeira‐Santos R, Laurenti M, Can F, Bohinc K, Moutinho F, Silva JM, Aroso IM, Lima E, Reis RL, Ciardelli G, Cauda V, Mergulhão FJ, Gálvez FS, Barros AA. Future Directions for Ureteral Stent Technology: From Bench to the Market. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202100158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Domingues
- 3B's Research Group‐Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Avepark‐Parque Barco Guimarães 4805‐017 Portugal
- ICVS/3B's‐PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães 4805‐017 Portugal
| | - Margarida Pacheco
- 3B's Research Group‐Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Avepark‐Parque Barco Guimarães 4805‐017 Portugal
- ICVS/3B's‐PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães 4805‐017 Portugal
| | - Julia E. Cruz
- Endourology‐Endoscopy Department Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre Jesús Usón Cáceres 10071 Spain
| | - Irene Carmagnola
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Politecnico di Torino Turin 10129 Italy
- Polito BIOMedLAB Politecnico di Torino Turin 10129 Italy
| | - Rita Teixeira‐Santos
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering Environment Biotechnology and Energy Faculty of Engineering University of Porto Porto 4200‐465 Portugal
| | - Marco Laurenti
- Department of Applied Science and Technology Politecnico di Torino Turin 10129 Italy
| | - Fusun Can
- Department of Medical Microbiology School of Medicine Koc University Istanbul 34450 Turkey
| | - Klemen Bohinc
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Ljubljana Ljubljana 1000 Slovenia
| | - Fabíola Moutinho
- i3S‐Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Universidade do Porto Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
- INEB‐Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica Universidade do Porto Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
| | - Joana M. Silva
- 3B's Research Group‐Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Avepark‐Parque Barco Guimarães 4805‐017 Portugal
- ICVS/3B's‐PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães 4805‐017 Portugal
| | - Ivo M. Aroso
- 3B's Research Group‐Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Avepark‐Parque Barco Guimarães 4805‐017 Portugal
- ICVS/3B's‐PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães 4805‐017 Portugal
| | - Estêvão Lima
- School of Health Sciences Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS) University of Minho Braga 4710‐057 Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B's Research Group‐Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Avepark‐Parque Barco Guimarães 4805‐017 Portugal
- ICVS/3B's‐PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães 4805‐017 Portugal
| | - Gianluca Ciardelli
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Politecnico di Torino Turin 10129 Italy
- Polito BIOMedLAB Politecnico di Torino Turin 10129 Italy
| | - Valentina Cauda
- Department of Applied Science and Technology Politecnico di Torino Turin 10129 Italy
| | - Filipe J. Mergulhão
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering Environment Biotechnology and Energy Faculty of Engineering University of Porto Porto 4200‐465 Portugal
| | - Federico S. Gálvez
- Endourology‐Endoscopy Department Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre Jesús Usón Cáceres 10071 Spain
| | - Alexandre A. Barros
- 3B's Research Group‐Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Avepark‐Parque Barco Guimarães 4805‐017 Portugal
- ICVS/3B's‐PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães 4805‐017 Portugal
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14
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Romeu MJ, Domínguez-Pérez D, Almeida D, Morais J, Araújo MJ, Osório H, Campos A, Vasconcelos V, Mergulhão FJ. Quantitative proteomic analysis of marine biofilms formed by filamentous cyanobacterium. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111566. [PMID: 34181917 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial molecular biology can identify pathways that affect the adhesion and settlement of biofouling organisms and, consequently, obtain novel antifouling strategies for marine applications. Proteomic analyses can provide an essential understanding of how cyanobacteria adapt to different environmental settings. However, only a few qualitative studies have been performed in some cyanobacterial strains. Considering the limited knowledge about protein expression in cyanobacteria in different growing conditions, a quantitative proteomic analysis by LC-MS/MS of biofilm cells from a filamentous strain was performed. Biofilms were also analysed through standard methodologies for following cyanobacterial biofilm development. Biofilms were formed on glass and perspex at two relevant hydrodynamic conditions for marine environments (average shear rates of 4 s-1 and 40 s-1). Biofilm development was higher at 4 s-1 and no significant differences were found between surfaces. Proteomic analysis identified 546 proteins and 41 were differentially expressed. Differences in protein expression were more noticeable between biofilms formed on glass and perspex at 4 s-1. When comparing biofilms formed on different surfaces, results suggest that biofilm development may be related to the expression of several proteins like a beta-propeller domain-containing protein, chaperone DnaK, SLH domain-containing proteins, an OMF family outer membrane protein, and/or additional uncharacterized proteins. Regarding the hydrodynamic effect, biofilm development can be related to SOD enzyme expression, to proteins related to photosynthetic processes and to a set of uncharacterized proteins with calcium binding domains, disordered proteins, and others involved in electron transfer activity. Studies that combine distinct approaches are essential for finding new targets for antibiofilm agents. The characterisation performed in this work provides new insights into how shear rate and surface affect cyanobacterial biofilm development and how cyanobacteria adapt to these different environmental settings from a macroscopic standpoint to a proteomics context.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Romeu
- LEPABE, Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - D Domínguez-Pérez
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - D Almeida
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - J Morais
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - M J Araújo
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - H Osório
- i3S -Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, IPATIMUP, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Campos
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - V Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - F J Mergulhão
- LEPABE, Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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15
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A Selection of Platforms to Evaluate Surface Adhesion and Biofilm Formation in Controlled Hydrodynamic Conditions. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091993. [PMID: 34576888 PMCID: PMC8468346 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The early colonization of surfaces and subsequent biofilm development have severe impacts in environmental, industrial, and biomedical settings since they entail high costs and health risks. To develop more effective biofilm control strategies, there is a need to obtain laboratory biofilms that resemble those found in natural or man-made settings. Since microbial adhesion and biofilm formation are strongly affected by hydrodynamics, the knowledge of flow characteristics in different marine, food processing, and medical device locations is essential. Once the hydrodynamic conditions are known, platforms for cell adhesion and biofilm formation should be selected and operated, in order to obtain reproducible biofilms that mimic those found in target scenarios. This review focuses on the most widely used platforms that enable the study of initial microbial adhesion and biofilm formation under controlled hydrodynamic conditions—modified Robbins devices, flow chambers, rotating biofilm devices, microplates, and microfluidic devices—and where numerical simulations have been used to define relevant flow characteristics, namely the shear stress and shear rate.
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16
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The Influence of Nutrient Medium Composition on Escherichia coli Biofilm Development and Heterologous Protein Expression. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11188667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the effects of different nutrient media on the development of Escherichia coli biofilms and the production of a heterologous protein were examined. E. coli JM109(DE3) cells transformed with pFM23 plasmid carrying the gene for enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression were used. Cells were grown in two different culture media, Lysogenic Broth (LB) and M9ZB, in a flow cell system for 10 days. Epifluorescence microscopy, fluorimetry, and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method based on hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) were used to assess bacterial growth, plasmid copy number (PCN), and eGFP production in both planktonic and biofilm cells. The results showed that biofilm development was favored in M9ZB medium when compared with LB. However, the number of eGFP-expressing cells was higher in LB for both planktonic and sessile states (two-fold and seven-fold, respectively). In addition, the PCN in biofilm cells was slightly higher when using LB medium (on average, 29 plasmids per cell versus 20 plasmids per cell in M9ZB), and higher plasmid stability was observed in biofilms formed in LB compared to their planktonic counterparts. Hence, E. coli biofilms grown in LB enhanced both plasmid stability and capacity to produce the model heterologous protein when compared to M9ZB.
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17
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Kichouh-Aiadi S, Sánchez-Mirón A, Gallardo-Rodríguez JJ, Soriano-Jerez Y, Cerón-García MC, García-Camacho F, Molina-Grima E. CFD-based prediction of initial microalgal adhesion to solid surfaces using force balances. BIOFOULING 2021; 37:844-861. [PMID: 34538160 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2021.1974847] [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: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion of microalgal cells to photobioreactor walls reduces productivity resulting in significant economic losses. The physico-chemical surface properties and the fluid dynamics present in the photobioreactor during cultivation are relevant. However, to date, no multiphysical model has been able to predict biofouling formation in these systems. In this work, to model the microalgal adhesion, a Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation was performed using a Eulerian-Lagrangian particle-tracking model. The adhesion criterion was based on the balance of forces and moments included in the XDLVO model. A cell suspension of the marine microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana was fed into a commercial flow cell composed of poly-methyl-methacrylate coupons for validation. Overall, the simulated adhesion criterion qualitatively predicted the initial distribution of adhered cells on the coupons. In conclusion, the combined Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Phase Model (CFD-DPM) approach can be used to overcome the challenge of predicting microalgal cell adhesion in photobioreactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kichouh-Aiadi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAMBITAL, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - A Sánchez-Mirón
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAMBITAL, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - J J Gallardo-Rodríguez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAMBITAL, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Y Soriano-Jerez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAMBITAL, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - M C Cerón-García
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAMBITAL, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - F García-Camacho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAMBITAL, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - E Molina-Grima
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Research Centre CIAMBITAL, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
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18
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Zheng L, Zeng Y, Li Y, Zheng J. Study on the application of ultrasonic wave in the removal of microbiofouling on PMMA surface. BIOSURFACE AND BIOTRIBOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1049/bsb2.12014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zheng
- Institute of Oceanographic Instrumentation Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Monitoring Instrument and Equipment Technology Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences) Qingdao China
| | - Yufan Zeng
- Tribology Research Institute Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
| | - Yuefan Li
- Tribology Research Institute Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Tribology Research Institute Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu China
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19
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The Effects of Chemical and Mechanical Stresses on Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas fluorescens Single- and Dual-Species Biofilm Removal. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061174. [PMID: 34072497 PMCID: PMC8228086 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm control is mainly based on chemical disinfection, without a clear understanding of the role of the biocides and process conditions on biofilm removal. This study aims to understand the effects of a biocide (benzyldimethyldodecyl ammonium chloride-BDMDAC) and mechanical treatment (an increase of shear stress -τw) on single- and dual-species biofilms formed by Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas fluorescens on high-density polyethene (HDPE). BDMDAC effects were initially assessed on bacterial physicochemical properties and initial adhesion ability. Then, mature biofilms were formed on a rotating cylinder reactor (RCR) for 7 days to assess the effects of chemical and mechanical treatments, and the combination of both on biofilm removal. The results demonstrated that the initial adhesion does not predict the formation of mature biofilms. It was observed that the dual-species biofilms were the most susceptible to BDMDAC exposure. The exposure to increasing τw emphasised the mechanical stability of biofilms, as lower values of τw (1.66 Pa) caused high biofilm erosion and higher τw values (17.7 Pa) seem to compress the remaining biofilm. In general, the combination of BDMDAC and the mechanical treatment was synergic in increasing biofilm removal. However, these were insufficient to cause total biofilm removal (100%; an average standard deviation of 11% for the method accuracy should be considered) from HDPE.
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20
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Di Bonaventura G, Pompilio A. In Vitro Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Biofilm-Growing Bacteria: Current and Emerging Methods. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1369:33-51. [PMID: 33963526 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial pathogens is typically determined based on planktonic cells, as recommended by several international guidelines. However, most of chronic infections - such as those established in wounds, cystic fibrosis lung, and onto indwelling devices - are associated to the formation of biofilms, communities of clustered bacteria attached onto a surface, abiotic or biotic, and embedded in an extracellular matrix produced by the bacteria and complexed with molecules from the host. Sessile microorganisms show significantly increased tolerance/resistance to antibiotics compared with planktonic counterparts. Consequently, antibiotic concentrations used in standard antimicrobial susceptibility tests, although effective against planktonic bacteria in vitro, are not predictive of the concentrations required to eradicate biofilm-related infections, thus leading to treatment failure, chronicization and removal of material in patients with indwelling medical devices.Meeting the need for the in vitro evaluation of biofilm susceptibility to antibiotics, here we reviewed several methods proposed in literature highlighting their advantages and limitations to guide scientists towards an appropriate choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Bonaventura
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, and Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy. .,Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Arianna Pompilio
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, and Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Chieti, Italy
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21
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Abstract
Bio-contamination of water through biofouling, which involves the natural colonization of submerged surfaces by waterborne organisms, is a global socio-economic concern, allied to premature materials bio-corrosion and high human health risks. Most effective strategies release toxic and persistent disinfectant compounds into the aquatic medium, causing environmental problems and leading to more stringent legislation regarding their use. To minimize these side effects, a newly non-biocide-release coating strategy suitable for several polymeric matrices, namely polydimethylsiloxane and polyurethane (PU)-based coatings, was used to generate antimicrobial ceramic filters for water bio-decontamination. The best results, in terms of antimicrobial activity and biocide release, showed an expressed delay and a decrease of up to 66% in the population of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on ceramic filters coated with polyurethane (PU)-based coatings containing grafted Econea biocide, and no evidence of biocide release after being submerged for 45 days in water. Biocidal PU-based surfaces were also less prone to Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formation under flow conditions with an average reduction of 60% after 48 h compared to a pristine PU-based surface. Biocidal coated filters show to be a potential eco-friendly alternative for minimizing the environmental risks associated with biofouling formation in water-based industrial systems.
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22
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Hydrodynamics and surface properties influence biofilm proliferation. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 288:102336. [PMID: 33421727 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2020.102336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A biofilm is an interface-associated colloidal dispersion of bacterial cells and excreted polymers in which microorganisms find protection from their environment. Successful colonization of a surface by a bacterial community is typically a detriment to human health and property. Insight into the biofilm life-cycle provides clues on how their proliferation can be suppressed. In this review, we follow a cell through the cycle of attachment, growth, and departure from a colony. Among the abundance of factors that guide the three phases, we focus on hydrodynamics and stratum properties due to the synergistic effect such properties have on bacteria rejection and removal. Cell motion, whether facilitated by the environment via medium flow or self-actuated by use of an appendage, drastically improves the survivability of a bacterium. Once in the vicinity of a stratum, a single cell is exposed to near-surface interactions, such as van der Waals, electrostatic and specific interactions, similarly to any other colloidal particle. The success of the attachment and the potential for detachment is heavily influenced by surface properties such as material type and topography. The growth of the colony is similarly guided by mainstream flow and the convective transport throughout the biofilm. Beyond the growth phase, hydrodynamic traction forces on a biofilm can elicit strongly non-linear viscoelastic responses from the biofilm soft matter. As the colony exhausts the means of survival at a particular location, a set of trigger signals activates mechanisms of bacterial release, a life-cycle phase also facilitated by fluid flow. A review of biofilm-relevant hydrodynamics and startum properties provides insight into future research avenues.
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23
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Senevirathne SWMAI, Hasan J, Mathew A, Woodruff M, Yarlagadda PKDV. Bactericidal efficiency of micro- and nanostructured surfaces: a critical perspective. RSC Adv 2021; 11:1883-1900. [PMID: 35424086 PMCID: PMC8693530 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra08878a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro/nanostructured surfaces (MNSS) have shown the ability to inactivate bacterial cells by physical means. An enormous amount of research has been conducted in this area over the past decade. Here, we review the various surface factors that affect the bactericidal efficiency. For example, surface hydrophobicity of the substrate has been accepted to be influential on the bactericidal effect of the surface, but a review of the literature suggests that the influence of hydrophobicity differs with the bacterial species. Also, various bacterial viability quantification methods on MNSS are critically reviewed for their suitability for the purpose, and limitations of currently used protocols are discussed. Presently used static bacterial viability assays do not represent the conditions of which those surfaces could be applied. Such application conditions do have overlaying fluid flow, and bacterial behaviours are drastically different under flow conditions compared to under static conditions. Hence, it is proposed that the bactericidal effect should be assessed under relevant fluid flow conditions with factors such as shear stress and flowrate given due significance. This review will provide a range of opportunities for future research in design and engineering of micro/nanostructured surfaces with varying experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W M A I Senevirathne
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane Qld 4000 Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovations 60 Musk Ave. Kelvin Grove Qld 4059 Australia
| | - J Hasan
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane Qld 4000 Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovations 60 Musk Ave. Kelvin Grove Qld 4059 Australia
| | - A Mathew
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane Qld 4000 Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovations 60 Musk Ave. Kelvin Grove Qld 4059 Australia
| | - M Woodruff
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane Qld 4000 Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovations 60 Musk Ave. Kelvin Grove Qld 4059 Australia
| | - P K D V Yarlagadda
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane Qld 4000 Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovations 60 Musk Ave. Kelvin Grove Qld 4059 Australia
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24
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Alotaibi GF. Occurrence of Potentially Pathogenic Bacteria in Epilithic Biofilm Forming Bacteria isolated from Porter Brook River-stones, Sheffield, UK. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:3405-3414. [PMID: 33304149 PMCID: PMC7715045 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms in aquatic ecosystems develop on wet benthic surfaces and are primarily comprised of various allochthonous microorganisms, including bacteria embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). In such environment, where there is a continuous flow of water, attachment of microbes to surfaces prevents cells being washed out of a suitable habitat with the added benefits of the water flow and the surface itself providing nutrients for growth of attached cells. When watercourses are contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, these can become incorporated into biofilms. This study aimed to isolate and identify the bacterial species within biofilms retrieved from river-stones found in the Porter Brook, Sheffield based on morphological, biochemical characteristics and molecular characteristics, such as 16S rDNA sequence phylogeny analysis. Twenty-two bacterial species were identified. Among these were 10 gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, establishing that potential human pathogens were present within the biofilms. Klebsiella pneumoniae MBB9 isolate showed the greatest ability to form a biofilm using a microtiter plate-based crystal violet assay. Biofilm by K. pneumoniae MBB9 formed rapidly (within 6 h) under static conditions at 37 °C and then increased up to 24 h of incubation before decreasing with further incubation (48 h), whereas the applied shear forces (horizontal orbital shaker; diameter of 25 mm at 150 rpm) had no effect on K. pneumoniae MBB9 biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazay F. Alotaibi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
- Department of Environment and Marine Biology, Saline Water Desalination Technologies Research Institute, P.O. 8328 Al-Jubail 31951 Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Dolid A, Gomes LC, Mergulhão FJ, Reches M. Combining chemistry and topography to fight biofilm formation: Fabrication of micropatterned surfaces with a peptide-based coating. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 196:111365. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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26
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Cowle MW, Webster G, Babatunde AO, Bockelmann-Evans BN, Weightman AJ. Impact of flow hydrodynamics and pipe material properties on biofilm development within drinking water systems. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2020; 41:3732-3744. [PMID: 31120377 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2019.1619844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the combined impact of flow hydrodynamics and pipe material on biofilm development in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). Biofilms were formed on four commonly used pipe materials (namely polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, structured wall high-density polyethylene and solid wall high-density polyethylene) within a series of purpose built flow cell reactors at two different flow regimes. Results indicate that varying amounts of microbial material with different morphologies were present depending on the pipe material and conditioning. The amount of microbial biomass was typically greater for the biofilms conditioned at lower flows. Whereas, biofilm development was inhibited at higher flows indicating shear forces imposed by flow conditions were above the critical levels for biofilm attachment. Alphaproteobacteria was the predominant bacterial group within the biofilms incubated at low flow and represented 48% of evaluated phylotypes; whilst at higher flows, Betaproteobacteria (45%) and Gammaproteobacteria (33%) were the dominant groups. The opportunistic pathogens, Sphingomonas and Pseudomonas were found to be particularly abundant in biofilms incubated at lower flows, and only found within biofilms incubated at higher flows on the rougher materials assessed. This suggests that these bacteria have limited ability to propagate within biofilms under high shear conditions without sufficient protection (roughness). These findings expand on knowledge relating to the impact of surface roughness and flow hydrodynamics on biofilm development within DWDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Cowle
- Hydro-environmental Research Centre, School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Mott MacDonald, Cardiff, UK
| | - Gordon Webster
- Microbiomes, Microbes and Informatics Group, Organisms and Environment Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, UK
| | - Akintunde O Babatunde
- Hydro-environmental Research Centre, School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Institute of Public Health and Environmental Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Andrew J Weightman
- Microbiomes, Microbes and Informatics Group, Organisms and Environment Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, UK
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27
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Neves SF, Ponmozhi J, Mergulhão FJ, Campos JBLM, Miranda JM. Cell adhesion in microchannel multiple constrictions - Evidence of mass transport limitations. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 198:111490. [PMID: 33262016 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm growth (fouling) in microdevices is a critical concern in several industrial, engineering and health applications, particularly in novel high-performance microdevices often designed with complex geometries, narrow regions and multiple headers. Unfortunately, on these devices, the regions with local high wall shear stresses (WSS) also show high local fouling rates. Several explanations have been put forward by the scientific community, including the effect of cell transport by Brownian motion on the adhesion rate. In this work, for the first time, both WSS and convection and Brownian diffusion effects on cell adhesion were evaluated along a microchannel with intercalate constriction and expansion zones designed to mimic the hydrodynamics of the human body and biomedical devices. Convection and Brownian diffusion effects were numerically studied using a steady-state convective-diffusion model (convection, diffusion and sedimentation). According to the numerical results, the convection and Brownian diffusion effects on cell adhesion are effectively more significant in regions with high WSS. Furthermore, a good agreement was observed between experimental and predicted local Sherwood numbers, particularly at the entrance and within the multiple constrictions. However, further mechanisms should be considered to accurately predict cell adhesion in the expansion zones. The described numerical approach can be used as a way to identify possible clogging zones in microchannels, and defining solutions, even before the construction of the prototype.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Neves
- CEFT - Transport Phenomena Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - J Ponmozhi
- CEFT - Transport Phenomena Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; IES- Institute of Engineering & Science IPS Academy Knowledge Village, Rajendra Nagar A.B. Road, Indore, 452012, India
| | - F J Mergulhão
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - J B L M Campos
- CEFT - Transport Phenomena Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - J M Miranda
- CEFT - Transport Phenomena Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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Lequette K, Ait-Mouheb N, Wéry N. Hydrodynamic effect on biofouling of milli-labyrinth channel and bacterial communities in drip irrigation systems fed with reclaimed wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 738:139778. [PMID: 32531594 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The clogging of drippers due to the development of biofilms reduces the benefits and is an obstacle to the implementation of drip irrigation technology in a reclaimed water context. The narrow section and labyrinth geometry of the dripper channel results the development of a heterogeneous flow behaviours with the vortex zones which it enhance the fouling mechanisms. The objective of this study was to analyse the influence of the three dripper types, defined by their geometric and hydraulic parameters, fed with reclaimed wastewater, on the biofouling kinetics and the bacterial communities. Using optical coherence tomography, we demonstrated that the inlet of the drippers (mainly the first baffle) and vortex zones are the most sensitive area for biofouling. Drippers with the lowest Reynolds number and average cross-section velocity v (1 l·h-1) were the most sensible to biofouling, even if detachment events seemed more frequent in this dripper type. Therefore, dripper flow path with larger v should be consider to improve the anti-clogging performance. In addition, the dripper type and the geometry of the flow path influenced the structure of the bacterial communities from dripper biofilms. Relative abundancy of filamentous bacteria belonging to Chloroflexi phylum was higher in 1 l·h-1 drippers, which presented a higher level of biofouling. However, further research on the role of this phylum in dripper biofouling is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Lequette
- INRAE, University of Montpellier, LBE, 102, Avenue des Etangs, 11100 Narbonne, France; INRAE, University of Montpellier, UMR G-Eau Avenue Jean-François Breton, 34000 Montpellier, France.
| | - Nassim Ait-Mouheb
- INRAE, University of Montpellier, UMR G-Eau Avenue Jean-François Breton, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Nathalie Wéry
- INRAE, University of Montpellier, LBE, 102, Avenue des Etangs, 11100 Narbonne, France
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Carbon Nanotube/Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Composite Materials to Reduce Bacterial Adhesion. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080434. [PMID: 32707936 PMCID: PMC7459730 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Different studies have shown that the incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) enables the production of composite materials with enhanced properties, which can find important applications in the biomedical field. In the present work, CNT/PDMS composite materials have been prepared to evaluate the effects of pristine and chemically functionalized CNT incorporation into PDMS on the composite's thermal, electrical, and surface properties on bacterial adhesion in dynamic conditions. Initial bacterial adhesion was studied using a parallel-plate flow chamber assay performed in conditions prevailing in urinary tract devices (catheters and stents) using Escherichia coli as a model organism and PDMS as a control due to its relevance in these applications. The results indicated that the introduction of the CNTs in the PDMS matrix yielded, in general, less bacterial adhesion than the PDMS alone and that the reduction could be dependent on the surface chemistry of CNTs, with less adhesion obtained on the composites with pristine rather than functionalized CNTs. It was also shown CNT pre-treatment and incorporation by different methods affected the electrical properties of the composites when compared to PDMS. Composites enabling a 60% reduction in cell adhesion were obtained by CNT treatment by ball-milling, whereas an increase in electrical conductivity of seven orders of magnitude was obtained after solvent-mediated incorporation. The results suggest even at low CNT loading values (1%), these treatments may be beneficial for the production of CNT composites with application in biomedical devices for the urinary tract and for other applications where electrical conductance is required.
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Analysing the Initial Bacterial Adhesion to Evaluate the Performance of Antifouling Surfaces. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9070421. [PMID: 32709041 PMCID: PMC7400106 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9070421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to study the initial events of Escherichia coli adhesion to polydimethylsiloxane, which is critical for the development of antifouling surfaces. A parallel plate flow cell was used to perform the initial adhesion experiments under controlled hydrodynamic conditions (shear rates ranging between 8 and 100/s), mimicking biomedical scenarios. Initial adhesion studies capture more accurately the cell-surface interactions as in later stages, incoming cells may interact with the surface but also with already adhered cells. Adhesion rates were calculated and results shown that after some time (between 5 and 9 min), these rates decreased (by 55% on average), from the initial values for all tested conditions. The common explanation for this decrease is the occurrence of hydrodynamic blocking, where the area behind each adhered cell is screened from incoming cells. This was investigated using a pair correlation map from which two-dimensional histograms showing the density probability function were constructed. The results highlighted a lower density probability (below 4.0 × 10−4) of the presence of cells around a given cell under different shear rates irrespectively of the radial direction. A shadowing area behind the already adhered cells was not observed, indicating that hydrodynamic blocking was not occurring and therefore it could not be the cause for the decreases in cell adhesion rates. Afterward, cell transport rates from the bulk solution to the surface were estimated using the Smoluchowski-Levich approximation and values in the range of 80–170 cells/cm2.s were obtained. The drag forces that adhered cells have to withstand were also estimated and values in the range of 3–50 × 10−14 N were determined. Although mass transport increases with the flow rate, drag forces also increase and the relative importance of these factors may change in different conditions. This work demonstrates that adjustment of operational parameters in initial adhesion experiments may be required to avoid hydrodynamic blocking, in order to obtain reliable data about cell-surface interactions that can be used in the development of more efficient antifouling surfaces.
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Romeu MJL, Domínguez-Pérez D, Almeida D, Morais J, Campos A, Vasconcelos V, Mergulhão FJM. Characterization of planktonic and biofilm cells from two filamentous cyanobacteria using a shotgun proteomic approach. BIOFOULING 2020; 36:631-645. [PMID: 32715767 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2020.1795141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria promote marine biofouling with significant impacts. A qualitative proteomic analysis, by LC-MS/MS, of planktonic and biofilm cells from two cyanobacteria was performed. Biofilms were formed on glass and perspex at two relevant hydrodynamic conditions for marine environments (average shear rates of 4 s-1 and 40 s-1). For both strains and surfaces, biofilm development was higher at 4 s-1. Biofilm development of Nodosilinea sp. LEGE 06145 was substantially higher than Nodosilinea sp. LEGE 06119, but no significant differences were found between surfaces. Overall, 377 and 301 different proteins were identified for Nodosilinea sp. LEGE 06145 and Nodosilinea sp. LEGE 06119. Differences in protein composition were more noticeable in biofilms formed under different hydrodynamic conditions than in those formed on different surfaces. Ribosomal and photosynthetic proteins were identified in most conditions. The characterization performed gives new insights into how shear rate and surface affect the planktonic to biofilm transition, from a structural and proteomics perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Leal Romeu
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dany Domínguez-Pérez
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Daniela Almeida
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - João Morais
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Campos
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Vítor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe J M Mergulhão
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, Portugal
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Efficacy of A Poly(MeOEGMA) Brush on the Prevention of Escherichia coli Biofilm Formation and Susceptibility. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9050216. [PMID: 32365462 PMCID: PMC7277157 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9050216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common hospital-acquired infections, and they are often associated with biofilm formation in indwelling medical devices such as catheters and stents. This study aims to investigate the antibiofilm performance of a polymer brush—poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate], poly(MeOEGMA)—and evaluate its effect on the antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli biofilms formed on that surface. Biofilms were formed in a parallel plate flow chamber (PPFC) for 24 h under the hydrodynamic conditions prevailing in urinary catheters and stents and challenged with ampicillin. Results obtained with the brush were compared to those obtained with two control surfaces, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and glass. The polymer brush reduced by 57% the surface area covered by E. coli after 24 h, as well as the number of total adhered cells. The antibiotic treatment potentiated cell death and removal, and the total cell number was reduced by 88%. Biofilms adapted their architecture, and cell morphology changed to a more elongated form during that period. This work suggests that the poly(MeOEGMA) brush has potential to prevent bacterial adhesion in urinary tract devices like ureteral stents and catheters, as well as in eradicating biofilms developed in these biomedical devices.
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Yongabi D, Khorshid M, Gennaro A, Jooken S, Duwé S, Deschaume O, Losada-Pérez P, Dedecker P, Bartic C, Wübbenhorst M, Wagner P. QCM-D Study of Time-Resolved Cell Adhesion and Detachment: Effect of Surface Free Energy on Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:18258-18272. [PMID: 32223273 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell-material interactions are crucial for many biomedical applications, including medical implants, tissue engineering, and biosensors. For implants, while the adhesion of eukaryotic host cells is desirable, bacterial adhesion often leads to infections. Surface free energy (SFE) is an important parameter that controls short- and long-term eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell adhesion. Understanding its effect at a fundamental level is essential for designing materials that minimize bacterial adhesion. Most cell adhesion studies for implants have focused on correlating surface wettability with mammalian cell adhesion and are restricted to short-term time scales. In this work, we used quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and electrical impedance analysis to characterize the adhesion and detachment of S. cerevisiae and E. coli, serving as model eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells within extended time scales. Measurements were performed on surfaces displaying different surface energies (Au, SiO2, and silanized SiO2). Our results demonstrate that tuning the surface free energy of materials is a useful strategy for selectively promoting eukaryotic cell adhesion and preventing bacterial adhesion. Specifically, we show that under flow and steady-state conditions and within time scales up to ∼10 h, a high SFE, especially its polar component, enhances S. cerevisiae adhesion and hinders E. coli adhesion. In the long term, however, both cells tend to detach, but less detachment occurs on surfaces with a high dispersive SFE contribution. The conclusions on S. cerevisiae are also valid for a second eukaryotic cell type, being the human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells on which we performed the same analysis for comparison. Furthermore, each cell adhesion phase is associated with unique cytoskeletal viscoelastic states, which are cell-type-specific and surface free energy-dependent and provide insights into the underlying adhesion mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derick Yongabi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Laboratory for Soft Matter and Biophysics, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mehran Khorshid
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Laboratory for Soft Matter and Biophysics, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alessia Gennaro
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Laboratory for Soft Matter and Biophysics, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stijn Jooken
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Laboratory for Soft Matter and Biophysics, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sam Duwé
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory for Nanobiology, KU Leuven, Celestinenlaan 200 G, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Olivier Deschaume
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Laboratory for Soft Matter and Biophysics, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patricia Losada-Pérez
- Experimental Soft Matter and Thermal Physics Group, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Campus La Plaine, CP223, Boulevard du Triomphe, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Dedecker
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory for Nanobiology, KU Leuven, Celestinenlaan 200 G, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carmen Bartic
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Laboratory for Soft Matter and Biophysics, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michael Wübbenhorst
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Laboratory for Soft Matter and Biophysics, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Wagner
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Laboratory for Soft Matter and Biophysics, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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Recupido F, Toscano G, Tatè R, Petala M, Caserta S, Karapantsios TD, Guido S. The role of flow in bacterial biofilm morphology and wetting properties. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 192:111047. [PMID: 32388030 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are bacterial communities embedded in an extracellular matrix, able to adhere to surfaces. Different experimental set-ups are widely used for in vitro biofilm cultivation; however, a well-defined comparison among different culture conditions, especially suited to interfacial characterization, is still lacking in the literature. The main objective of this work is to study the role of flow on biofilm formation, morphology and interfacial properties. Three different in vitro setups, corresponding to stagnant, shaking, and laminar flow conditions (custom-made flow cell), are used in this work to grow single strain biofilms of Pseudomonas fluorescens AR 11 on glass coupons. Results show that flow conditions significantly influenced biofilm formation kinetics, affecting mass transfer and cell attachment/detachment processes. Distinct morphological patterns are found under different flow regimes. Static contact angle data do not depend significantly on biofilm growth conditions in the parametric range investigated in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Recupido
- Division of Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Box 116, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples, Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toscano
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples, Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosarita Tatè
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics: "A. Buzzati-Traverso" (IGB-CNR), Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Petala
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sergio Caserta
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples, Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; CEINGE, Advanced Biotechnologies, 80145, Naples, Italy.
| | - Thodoris D Karapantsios
- Division of Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Box 116, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Stefano Guido
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples, Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; CEINGE, Advanced Biotechnologies, 80145, Naples, Italy
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35
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Alves P, Gomes LC, Vorobii M, Rodriguez-Emmenegger C, Mergulhão FJ. The potential advantages of using a poly(HPMA) brush in urinary catheters: effects on biofilm cells and architecture. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 191:110976. [PMID: 32272386 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.110976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Infections related to bacterial colonization of medical devices are a growing concern given the socio-economical impacts in healthcare systems. Colonization of a device surface with bacteria usually triggers the development of a biofilm, which is more difficult to eradicate than free-floating or adhered bacteria and can act as a reservoir for subsequent infections. Biofilms often harbor Viable but nonculturable (VBNC) cells that are likely to be more resistant to antibiotic treatment and that can become active in more favorable conditions causing infection. Biofilm formation is dependent on different factors, chiefly the properties of the surface and of the surrounding medium, and the hydrodynamic conditions. In this work, the antifouling performance of a poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide] (poly(HPMA)) brush was evaluated in vitro in conditions that mimic a urinary catheter using Escherichia coli as a model organism. The results obtained with the brush were compared to those obtained with two control surfaces, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (the most common material for catheters) and glass. A decrease in initial adhesion and surface coverage was observed on the brush. This antifouling behavior was maintained during biofilm maturation and even in a simulated post-bladder infection period when the reduction in total cell number reached 87 %. Biofilms were shown to adapt their architecture during that period and VBNC cells adsorbed weakly on the brushes and were completely washed away. Taken together, these results suggest that the use of the poly(HPMA) brush in urinary tract devices such as catheters and stents may reduce biofilm formation and possibly render the formed biofilms more susceptible to antibiotic treatment and with reduced infectivity potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Alves
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - L C Gomes
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - M Vorobii
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials and Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - C Rodriguez-Emmenegger
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials and Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - F J Mergulhão
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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36
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Yang D, Reyes-De-Corcuera JI. Continuous flow system for biofilm formation using controlled concentrations of Pseudomonas putida from chicken carcass and coupled to electrochemical impedance detection. BIOFOULING 2020; 36:389-402. [PMID: 32434379 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2020.1763966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Most studies dealing with monitoring the dynamics of biofilm formation use microbial suspensions at high concentrations. These conditions do not always represent food or water distribution systems. A continuous flow system capable of controlling the concentration of the microbial suspension stream from 104 to 106 CFU ml-1 is reported. Pseudomonas putida biofilms formed using 100-fold, 1,000-fold or 10,000-fold diluted bacterial suspensions were monitored in-line by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and total plate counts. Randles equivalent circuit model and a modified Randles model with biofilm elements were used to fit the EIS data. In Randles equivalent circuit, the charge transfer resistance decreased as the biofilm formed. The log colony counts of the biofilm correlated to the charge transfer resistance. In the biofilm model, the biofilm resistance and the double layer capacitance decreased as the biofilm formed. The log colony counts of the biofilm correlated to the biofilm resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyuan Yang
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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37
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An open-source robotic platform that enables automated monitoring of replicate biofilm cultivations using optical coherence tomography. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2020; 6:18. [PMID: 32238809 PMCID: PMC7113294 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-020-0129-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The paper introduces a fully automated cultivation and monitoring tool to study biofilm development in replicate experiments operated in parallel. To gain a fundamental understanding of the relation between cultivation conditions and biofilm characteristics (e.g., structural, mechanical) a monitoring setup allowing for the standardization of methods is required. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging modality ideal for biofilms since it allows for the monitoring of structure in real time. By integrating an OCT device into the open-source robotic platform EvoBot, a fully automated monitoring platform for investigating biofilm development in several flow cells at once was realized. Different positioning scenarios were tested and revealed that the positioning accuracy is within the optical resolution of the OCT. On that account, a reliable and accurate monitoring of biofilm development by means of OCT has become possible. With this robotic platform, reproducible biofilm experiments including a statistical analysis are achievable with only a small investment of operator time. Furthermore, a number of structural parameters calculated within this study confirmed the necessity to perform replicate biofilm cultivations.
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Moß C, Behrens A, Schröder U. The Limits of Three-Dimensionality: Systematic Assessment of Effective Anode Macrostructure Dimensions for Mixed-Culture Electroactive Biofilms. CHEMSUSCHEM 2020; 13:582-589. [PMID: 31743607 PMCID: PMC7027515 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201902923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This study analyzes the biofilm growth and long-term current production of mixed-culture, electrochemically active biofilms (EABs) on macrostructured electrodes under low-shear-force conditions. The channel dimensions were altered systematically in the range 400 μm to 2 mm, and the channel heights were varied between 1 and 4 mm to simulate macrostructures of different scales. Electrodes with finer-structured surfaces produced higher current densities in the short term owing to their large surface area but were outperformed in the long term because the accumulation of biomass led to limitations of mass transfer into the structures. The best long-term performance was observed for electrodes with channel dimensions of 1×4 mm, which showed no significant decrease in performance in the long term. Channels with a diameter of 400 μm were overgrown by the biofilm, which led to a transition from 3 D to 2 D behavior, indicating that structures of this scale might not be suitable for long-term operation under low-shear-stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Moß
- Institute of Environmental and Sustainable ChemistryTechnische Universität BraunschweigHagenring 3038106BraunschweigGermany
| | - Andreas Behrens
- Institute of Environmental and Sustainable ChemistryTechnische Universität BraunschweigHagenring 3038106BraunschweigGermany
| | - Uwe Schröder
- Institute of Environmental and Sustainable ChemistryTechnische Universität BraunschweigHagenring 3038106BraunschweigGermany
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Gomes L, Monteiro G, Mergulhão F. The Impact of IPTG Induction on Plasmid Stability and Heterologous Protein Expression by Escherichia coli Biofilms. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020576. [PMID: 31963160 PMCID: PMC7013871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This work assesses the effect of chemical induction with isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) on the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) by planktonic and biofilm cells of Escherichia coli JM109(DE3) transformed with a plasmid containing a T7 promoter. It was shown that induction negatively affected the growth and viability of planktonic cultures, and eGFP production did not increase. Heterologous protein production was not limited by gene dosage or by transcriptional activity. Results suggest that plasmid maintenance at high copy number imposes a metabolic burden that precludes high level expression of the heterologous protein. In biofilm cells, the inducer avoided the overall decrease in the amount of expressed eGFP, although this was not correlated with the gene dosage. Higher specific production levels were always attained with biofilm cells and it seems that while induction of biofilm cells shifts their metabolism towards the maintenance of heterologous protein concentration, in planktonic cells the cellular resources are directed towards plasmid replication and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Gomes
- LEPABE—Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Gabriel Monteiro
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Filipe Mergulhão
- LEPABE—Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225081668
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Romeu MJ, Alves P, Morais J, Miranda JM, Jong E, Sjollema J, Ramos V, Vasconcelos V, Mergulhão FJM. Biofilm formation behaviour of marine filamentous cyanobacterial strains in controlled hydrodynamic conditions. Environ Microbiol 2019; 21:4411-4424. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Romeu
- LEPABE—Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Patrícia Alves
- LEPABE—Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - João Morais
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões Matosinhos Portugal
| | - João M. Miranda
- CEFT—Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Ed.D. Jong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Jelmer Sjollema
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Vítor Ramos
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões Matosinhos Portugal
| | - Vitor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões Matosinhos Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences University of Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Filipe J. M. Mergulhão
- LEPABE—Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering University of Porto Porto Portugal
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Soares A, Azevedo A, Gomes LC, Mergulhão FJ. Recombinant protein expression in biofilms. AIMS Microbiol 2019; 5:232-250. [PMID: 31663059 PMCID: PMC6787351 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2019.3.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm research is usually focused on the prevention or control of biofilm formation. Recently, the significance of the biofilm mode of growth in biotechnological applications received increased attention. Since biofilm reactors show many advantages over suspended cell reactors, especially in their higher biomass density and operational stability, bacterial biofilms have emerged as an interesting approach for the expression of specific proteins. Despite the potential of biofilm systems, recombinant protein production using biofilms has been scarcely investigated for the past 25 years. Our group has demonstrated that E. coli biofilms were able to produce a model recombinant protein, the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), at much higher levels than their planktonic counterparts. Even without optimization of cultivation conditions, an attractive productivity was obtained, indicating that biofilm cultures can be used as an alternative form of high cell density cultivation (HCDC). E. coli remains one of the favorite hosts for recombinant protein production and it has been successfully used in metabolic engineering for the synthesis of high value products. This review presents the advantages and concerns of using biofilms for the production of recombinant proteins and summarizes the different biofilm systems which have been described for this purpose. The relative advantages and disadvantages of the four microbial hosts tested for recombinant protein production in biofilms (two bacteria and two filamentous fungi) are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Soares
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Azevedo
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luciana C Gomes
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe J Mergulhão
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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42
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Fabrication and Hydrodynamic Characterization of a Microfluidic Device for Cell Adhesion Tests in Polymeric Surfaces. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10050303. [PMID: 31060288 PMCID: PMC6562492 DOI: 10.3390/mi10050303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A fabrication method is developed to produce a microfluidic device to test cell adhesion to polymeric materials. The process is able to produce channels with walls of any spin coatable polymer. The method is a modification of the existing poly-dimethylsiloxane soft lithography method and, therefore, it is compatible with sealing methods and equipment of most microfluidic laboratories. The molds are produced by xurography, simplifying the fabrication in laboratories without sophisticated equipment for photolithography. The fabrication method is tested by determining the effective differences in bacterial adhesion in five different materials. These materials have different surface hydrophobicities and charges. The major drawback of the method is the location of the region of interest in a lowered surface. It is demonstrated by bacterial adhesion experiments that this drawback has a negligible effect on adhesion. The flow in the device was characterized by computational fluid dynamics and it was shown that shear stress in the region of interest can be calculated by numerical methods and by an analytical equation for rectangular channels. The device is therefore validated for adhesion tests.
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Ramstedt M, Ribeiro IAC, Bujdakova H, Mergulhão FJM, Jordao L, Thomsen P, Alm M, Burmølle M, Vladkova T, Can F, Reches M, Riool M, Barros A, Reis RL, Meaurio E, Kikhney J, Moter A, Zaat SAJ, Sjollema J. Evaluating Efficacy of Antimicrobial and Antifouling Materials for Urinary Tract Medical Devices: Challenges and Recommendations. Macromol Biosci 2019; 19:e1800384. [PMID: 30884146 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201800384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In Europe, the mean incidence of urinary tract infections in intensive care units is 1.1 per 1000 patient-days. Of these cases, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) account for 98%. In total, CAUTI in hospitals is estimated to give additional health-care costs of £1-2.5 billion in the United Kingdom alone. This is in sharp contrast to the low cost of urinary catheters and emphasizes the need for innovative products that reduce the incidence rate of CAUTI. Ureteral stents and other urinary-tract devices suffer similar problems. Antimicrobial strategies are being developed, however, the evaluation of their efficacy is very challenging. This review aims to provide considerations and recommendations covering all relevant aspects of antimicrobial material testing, including surface characterization, biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, in vitro and in vivo tests, microbial strain selection, and hydrodynamic conditions, all in the perspective of complying to the complex pathology of device-associated urinary tract infection. The recommendations should be on the basis of standard assays to be developed which would enable comparisons of results obtained in different research labs both in industry and in academia, as well as provide industry and academia with tools to assess the antimicrobial properties for urinary tract devices in a reliable way.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel A C Ribeiro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-004, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Helena Bujdakova
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 81499, Bratislava 1, Slovakia
| | - Filipe J M Mergulhão
- Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy (LEPABE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luisa Jordao
- Department of Environmental Health, Research and Development Unit, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Peter Thomsen
- BioModics ApS, Stengårds Alle 31A, DK-2800, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Martin Alm
- BioModics ApS, Stengårds Alle 31A, DK-2800, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mette Burmølle
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Todorka Vladkova
- Department of Polymers, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy (UCTM), 8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd, 1756, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Fusun Can
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Koc University, 34450, Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meital Reches
- Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Martijn Riool
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandre Barros
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Guimarães, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Guimarães, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Emilio Meaurio
- Department of Mining-Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science, POLYMAT, School of Engineering, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Leina, Bizkaia, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Judith Kikhney
- Biofilmcenter, Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Moter
- Biofilmcenter, Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian A J Zaat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jelmer Sjollema
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Li H, Zhang S, Yang XL, Xu H, Yang YL, Wang YW, Song HL. Simulated wastewater reduced Klebsiella michiganensis strain LH-2 viability and corresponding antibiotic resistance gene abundance in bio-electrochemical reactors. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 162:376-382. [PMID: 30015182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A previous study revealed that the electrolytic stimulation process in bio-electrochemical reactors (BER) can accelerate growth of sulfadiazine (SDZ) antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in nutrient broth medium. However, the influence of different medium nutrient richness on the fate of ARB and the relative abundance of their corresponding antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in this process is unknown. Specifically, it is not clear if the fate of ARB in minimal nutrition simulated wastewater is the same as in nutrient broth under electrolytic stimulation. Therefore, in this study, nutrient broth medium and the simulated wastewater were compared to identify differences in the relative abundance of Klebsiella michiganensis LH-2 ARGs in response to the electrolytic stimulation process, as well as the fate of the strain in simulated wastewater. Lower biomass, specific growth rates and viable bacterial counts were obtained in response to the application of increasing current to simulated wastewater medium. Furthermore, the percentage of ARB lethality, which was reflected by flow cytometry analysis, increased with current in the medium. A significant positive correlation of sul genes and intI gene relative abundance versus current was also observed in nutrient broth. However, a significant negative correlation was observed in simulated wastewater because of the higher metabolic burden, which may have led to decreased ARB viability. Further investigation showed that the decrease in ARGs abundance was responsible for decreased strain tolerance to SDZ in simulated wastewater. These results reveal that minimal nutrition simulated wastewater may reduce ARB and ARGs propagation in BER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Shuai Zhang
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Xiao-Li Yang
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Han Xu
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Yu-Li Yang
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Jiangsu Engineering Lab of Water and Soil Eco-remediation, Wenyuan Road 1, Nanjing 210023, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Ya-Wen Wang
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Jiangsu Engineering Lab of Water and Soil Eco-remediation, Wenyuan Road 1, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Hai-Liang Song
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Jiangsu Engineering Lab of Water and Soil Eco-remediation, Wenyuan Road 1, Nanjing 210023, China.
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45
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Lopez-Mila B, Alves P, Riedel T, Dittrich B, Mergulhão F, Rodriguez-Emmenegger C. Effect of shear stress on the reduction of bacterial adhesion to antifouling polymers. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2018; 13:065001. [PMID: 30141414 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/aadcc2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this work, two antifouling polymer brushes were tested at different shear stress conditions to evaluate their performance in reducing the initial adhesion of Escherichia coli. Assays were performed using a parallel plate flow chamber and a shear stress range between 0.005 and 0.056 Pa. These shear stress values are found in different locations in the human body where biomedical devices are placed. The poly(MeOEGMA) and poly(HPMA) brushes were characterized and it was shown that they can reduce initial adhesion up to 90% when compared to glass. Importantly, the performance of these surfaces was not affected by the shear stress, which is an indication that they do not collapse under this shear stress range. The brushes displayed a similar behavior despite the differences in their chemical composition and surface energy. Both surfaces have shown ultra-low adsorption of macromolecules from the medium when tested with relevant biological fluids (urine and serum). This indicates that these surfaces can potentially be used in biomedical devices to reduce initial bacterial colonization and eventually reduce biofilm formation on these devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betina Lopez-Mila
- Department of Chemistry and Physics of Surfaces and Biointerfaces, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, ASCR, v.v.i., Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 16206 Prague, Czechia. Both authors equally contributed to this work
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46
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Gomes IB, Lemos M, Mathieu L, Simões M, Simões LC. The action of chemical and mechanical stresses on single and dual species biofilm removal of drinking water bacteria. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 631-632:987-993. [PMID: 29728008 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The presence of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) is a global public health concern as they can harbor pathogenic microorganisms. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most commonly used disinfectant for microbial growth control in DWDS. However, its effect on biofilm removal is still unclear. This work aims to evaluate the effects of the combination of chemical (NaOCl) and mechanical stresses on the removal of single and dual species biofilms of two bacteria isolated from DWDS and considered opportunistic, Acinectobacter calcoaceticus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. A rotating cylinder reactor was successfully used for the first time in drinking water biofilm studies with polyvinyl chloride as substratum. The single and dual species biofilms presented different characteristics in terms of metabolic activity, mass, density, thickness and content of proteins and polysaccharides. Their complete removal was not achieved even when a high NaOCl concentrations and an increasing series of shear stresses (from 2 to 23Pa) were applied. In general, NaOCl pre-treatment did not improve the impact of mechanical stress on biofilm removal. Dual species biofilms were colonized mostly by S. maltophilia and were more susceptible to chemical and mechanical stresses than these single species. The most efficient treatment (93% biofilm removal) was the combination of NaOCl at 175mg·l-1 with mechanical stress against dual species biofilms. Of concern was the high tolerance of S. maltophilia to chemical and mechanical stresses in both single and dual species biofilms. The overall results demonstrate the inefficacy of NaOCl on biofilm removal even when combined with high shear stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- I B Gomes
- LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - M Lemos
- LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - L Mathieu
- EPHE, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Microbiology for the Environment, UMR 7564 CNRS-Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - M Simões
- LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - L C Simões
- LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
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47
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Soares A, Gomes LC, Mergulhão FJ. Comparing the Recombinant Protein Production Potential of Planktonic and Biofilm Cells. Microorganisms 2018; 6:E48. [PMID: 29794993 PMCID: PMC6027475 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms6020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant protein production in bacterial cells is commonly performed using planktonic cultures. However, the natural state for many bacteria is living in communities attached to surfaces forming biofilms. In this work, a flow cell system was used to compare the production of a model recombinant protein (enhanced green fluorescent protein, eGFP) between planktonic and biofilm cells. The fluorometric analysis revealed that when the system was in steady state, the average specific eGFP production from Escherichia coli biofilm cells was 10-fold higher than in planktonic cells. Additionally, epifluorescence microscopy was used to determine the percentage of eGFP-expressing cells in both planktonic and biofilm populations. In steady state, the percentage of planktonic-expressing cells oscillated around 5%, whereas for biofilms eGFP-expressing cells represented on average 21% of the total cell population. Therefore, the combination of fluorometric and microscopy data allowed us to conclude that E. coli biofilm cells can have a higher recombinant protein production capacity when compared to their planktonic counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Soares
- LEPABE-Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Luciana Calheiros Gomes
- LEPABE-Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Filipe José Mergulhão
- LEPABE-Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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48
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Perrin A, Herbelin P, Jorand FPA, Skali-Lami S, Mathieu L. Design of a rotating disk reactor to assess the colonization of biofilms by free-living amoebae under high shear rates. BIOFOULING 2018; 34:368-377. [PMID: 29745778 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2018.1444756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study was aimed at designing and optimizing a rotating disk reactor simulating high hydrodynamic shear rates (γ), which are representative of cooling circuits. The characteristics of the hydrodynamic conditions in the reactor and the complex approach used to engineer it are described. A 60 l tank was filled with freshwater containing free-living amoebae (FLA) and bacteria. Adhesion of the bacteria and formation of a biofilm on the stainless steel coupons were observed. FLA were able to establish in these biofilms under γ as high as 85,000 s-1. Several physical mechanisms (convection, diffusion, sedimentation) could explain the accumulation of amoeboid cells on surfaces, but further research is required to fully understand and model the fine mechanisms governing such transport under γ similar to those encountered in the industrial environment. This technological advance may enable research into these topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Perrin
- a Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME , F-54000 Nancy , France
- b EDF Recherche et Développement, Laboratoire National d'Hydraulique et Environnement , F-78401 Chatou , France
| | - P Herbelin
- b EDF Recherche et Développement, Laboratoire National d'Hydraulique et Environnement , F-78401 Chatou , France
| | - F P A Jorand
- a Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME , F-54000 Nancy , France
| | - S Skali-Lami
- c Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LEMTA , F-54000 Nancy , France
| | - L Mathieu
- a Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME , F-54000 Nancy , France
- d EPHE, PSL Research University, LCPME , F-54000 Nancy , France
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49
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Tarifa MC, Genovese D, Lozano JE, Brugnoni LI. In situ microstructure and rheological behavior of yeast biofilms from the juice processing industries. BIOFOULING 2018; 34:74-85. [PMID: 29228797 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2017.1407758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The factors affecting the mechanical properties of biofilms formed by yeast species (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Candida krusei, C. kefyr and C. tropicalis) isolated from the juice processing industries have been investigated. Variables studied were: the food matrix (apple/pear juice), the sugar concentration (6/12 °Bx) and the hydrodynamic conditions (static/turbulent flow). A range of environmental cues were included as the mechanical properties of biofilms are complex. Yeast counts were significantly higher in turbulent flow compared with under static conditions. The thickness of the biofilm ranged from 38 to 148 μm, from static to turbulent flow. Yeast biofilms grown under turbulent flow conditions were viscoelastic with a predominant solid-like behavior and were structurally stronger than those grown under static conditions, indicating gel-type structures. Only the type of flow had a significant effect on [Formula: see text] and G*. Flow velocity and nutrient status modulated the biofilm thickness, the biomass and the mechanical properties. A better knowledge of the factors controlling biofilm formation will help in the development of control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María C Tarifa
- a Institute of Biological and Biomedical Sciences of the South INBIOSUR) , Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) , Bahía Blanca , Argentina
| | - Diego Genovese
- b Pilot Plant of Chemical Engineering (PLAPIQUI) , Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) , Bahía Blanca , Argentina
| | - Jorge E Lozano
- b Pilot Plant of Chemical Engineering (PLAPIQUI) , Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) , Bahía Blanca , Argentina
| | - Lorena I Brugnoni
- a Institute of Biological and Biomedical Sciences of the South INBIOSUR) , Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) , Bahía Blanca , Argentina
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50
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Risse-Buhl U, Anlanger C, Kalla K, Neu TR, Noss C, Lorke A, Weitere M. The role of hydrodynamics in shaping the composition and architecture of epilithic biofilms in fluvial ecosystems. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 127:211-222. [PMID: 29049969 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.09.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Previous laboratory and on-site experiments have highlighted the importance of hydrodynamics in shaping biofilm composition and architecture. In how far responses to hydrodynamics can be found in natural flows under the complex interplay of environmental factors is still unknown. In this study we investigated the effect of near streambed turbulence in terms of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) on the composition and architecture of biofilms matured in two mountainous streams differing in dissolved nutrient concentrations. Over both streams, TKE significantly explained 7% and 8% of the variability in biofilm composition and architecture, respectively. However, effects were more pronounced in the nutrient richer stream, where TKE significantly explained 12% and 3% of the variability in biofilm composition and architecture, respectively. While at lower nutrient concentrations seasonally varying factors such as stoichiometry of dissolved nutrients (N/P ratio) and light were more important and explained 41% and 6% of the variability in biofilm composition and architecture, respectively. Specific biofilm features such as elongated ripples and streamers, which were observed in response to the uniform and unidirectional flow in experimental settings, were not observed. Microbial biovolume and surface area covered by the biofilm canopy increased with TKE, while biofilm thickness and porosity where not affected or decreased. These findings indicate that under natural flows where near bed flow velocities and turbulence intensities fluctuate with time and space, biofilms became more compact. They spread uniformly on the mineral surface as a film of densely packed coccoid cells appearing like cobblestone pavement. The compact growth of biofilms seemed to be advantageous for resisting hydrodynamic shear forces in order to avoid displacement. Thus, near streambed turbulence can be considered as important factor shaping the composition and architecture of biofilms grown under natural flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Risse-Buhl
- Department River Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Brückstraße 3a, 39114 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Christine Anlanger
- Department River Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Brückstraße 3a, 39114 Magdeburg, Germany; Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Katalin Kalla
- Department River Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Brückstraße 3a, 39114 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas R Neu
- Department River Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Brückstraße 3a, 39114 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christian Noss
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Andreas Lorke
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Markus Weitere
- Department River Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Brückstraße 3a, 39114 Magdeburg, Germany
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