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Barbosa A, Azevedo NF, Goeres DM, Cerqueira L. Ecology of Legionella pneumophila biofilms: The link between transcriptional activity and the biphasic cycle. Biofilm 2024; 7:100196. [PMID: 38601816 PMCID: PMC11004079 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100196] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
There has been considerable discussion regarding the environmental life cycle of Legionella pneumophila and its virulence potential in natural and man-made water systems. On the other hand, the bacterium's morphogenetic mechanisms within host cells (amoeba and macrophages) have been well documented and are linked to its ability to transition from a non-virulent, replicative state to an infectious, transmissive state. Although the morphogenetic mechanisms associated with the formation and detachment of the L. pneumophila biofilm have also been described, the capacity of the bacteria to multiply extracellularly is not generally accepted. However, several studies have shown genetic pathways within the biofilm that resemble intracellular mechanisms. Understanding the functionality of L. pneumophila cells within a biofilm is fundamental for assessing the ecology and evaluating how the biofilm architecture influences L. pneumophila survival and persistence in water systems. This manuscript provides an overview of the biphasic cycle of L. pneumophila and its implications in associated intracellular mechanisms in amoeba. It also examines the molecular pathways and gene regulation involved in L. pneumophila biofilm formation and dissemination. A holistic analysis of the transcriptional activities in L. pneumophila biofilms is provided, combining the information of intracellular mechanisms in a comprehensive outline. Furthermore, this review discusses the techniques that can be used to study the morphogenetic states of the bacteria within biofilms, at the single cell and population levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Barbosa
- 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
| | - Nuno F. Azevedo
- 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
| | - Darla M. Goeres
- 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
- The Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Laura Cerqueira
- 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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2
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Wu NP, Zhang Q, Tan B, Li M, Lin B, He J, Su JH, Shen HN. Integrated fixed-film activated sludge systems in continuous-flow and batch mode acclimated from low to high aniline concentrations: Performance, mechanism and metabolic pathways. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 379:129043. [PMID: 37044153 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) system has considerable advantages in treating aniline wastewater economically and efficiently. However, the response mechanism of IFAS to aniline needs further study. Herein, IFAS in continuous-flow (CF-IFAS) and batch mode (B-IFAS) were set up to investigate it. The removal efficiency of aniline exceeded 99% under different stress intensities. At low stress intensity (aniline ≈ 200 mg/L), the total nitrogen removal efficiency of B-IFAS was approximately 37.76% higher than CF-IFAS. When the stress intensity increased (aniline ≥ 400 mg/L), both were over 82%. CF-IFAS was restrained by denitrification while nitrification in B-IFAS. The legacy effect of perturbation of B-IFAS made microflora quickly reach new stability. The closer interspecific relationship in B-IFAS and more key species: Leucobacter, Rhodococcus, Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium, Ellin6067 and norank_f_NS9_marine_group. Metabolic and Cell growth and death were the most abundant metabolic pathways, resulting both systems the excellent pollutant removal and stability under high stress intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Ping Wu
- School of Civil Engineering & Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- School of Civil Engineering & Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China.
| | - Bin Tan
- CCCC Second Highway Consultants Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430056, PR China
| | - Meng Li
- School of Civil Engineering & Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Bing Lin
- School of Civil Engineering & Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Jing He
- School of Civil Engineering & Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Jun-Hao Su
- School of Civil Engineering & Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Hao-Nan Shen
- School of Civil Engineering & Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, PR China
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Dhall A, Ramjee R, Oh MJ, Tao K, Hwang G. A 3D-Printed Customizable Platform for Multiplex Dynamic Biofilm Studies. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2022; 7:2200138. [PMID: 35935146 PMCID: PMC9347831 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202200138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are communities of microbes that colonize surfaces. While several biofilm experimental models exist, they often have limited replications of spatiotemporal dynamics surrounding biofilms. For a better understanding dynamic and complex biofilm development, this manuscript presents a customizable platform compatible with off-the-shelf well plates that can monitor microbial adhesion, growth, and associated parameters under various relevant scenarios by taking advantage of 3D printing. The system i) holds any substrate in a stable, vertical position, ii) subjects samples to flow at different angles, iii) switches between static and dynamic modes during an experiment, and iv) allows multiplexing and real-time monitoring of biofilm parameters. Simulated fluid dynamics is employed to estimate flow patterns around discs and shear stresses at disc surfaces. A 3D printed peristaltic pump and a customized pH measurement system for real-time tracking of spent biofilm culture media are equipped with a graphical user interface that grants control over all experimental parameters. The system is tested under static and dynamic conditions with Streptococcus mutans using different carbon sources. By monitoring the effluent pH and characterizing biochemical, microbiological, and morphological properties of cultured biofilms, distinct properties are demonstrated. This novel platform liberates designing experimental strategies for investigations of biofilms under various conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Dhall
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ravikiran Ramjee
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Min Jun Oh
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kevin Tao
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Geelsu Hwang
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Tran VN, Khan F, Han W, Luluil M, Truong VG, Yun HG, Choi S, Kim YM, Shin JH, Kang HW. Real-time monitoring of mono- and dual-species biofilm formation and eradication using microfluidic platform. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9678. [PMID: 35690659 PMCID: PMC9188611 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13699-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In a human host, bacterial Staphylococcus aureus and fungal Candida albicans pathogens form a mixed biofilm that causes severe mortality and morbidity. However, research on the formation and eradication of mixed biofilms under dynamic conditions is lacking. Thus, this study employed a microfluidic technique to analyze the real-time formation of mono- and dual-species (S. aureus and C. albicans) biofilms and noninvasive optical treatment of the established mature biofilm using 405-nm laser light. A herringbone mixer thoroughly mixed both bacterial and fungal cells in the growth media before being injected into the observation channels on the microfluidic chip. At a flow rate of 1.0 µL/min of growth media for 24 h, the bacterial biofilm coverage was up to 15% higher than that of the fungal biofilm (50% for bacteria vs. 35% for fungus). On the other hand, the dual-species biofilm yielded the highest coverage of ~ 96.5% because of the collective interaction between S. aureus and C. albicans. The number of cell proliferation events in S. aureus was higher than that of C. albicans for 12 h, which indicates that the S. aureus biofilm was developed faster than C. albicans. The novel in situ test platform showed a significant bactericidal effect (80%) of the 405-nm laser light at 1080 J/cm2 towards the established S. aureus biofilm, whereas the same treatment removed approximately 69% of the mixed cells in the dual-species biofilm. This study revealed that the developed microfluidic platform could be utilized to monitor the formation of dual-species biofilms in real-time and laser-induced antimicrobial effects on dual-species biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Nam Tran
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering and Marine-Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Fazlurrahman Khan
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Won Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Maknuna Luluil
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering and Marine-Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Van Gia Truong
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering and Marine-Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Hyo Geun Yun
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, South Korea
| | - Sungyoung Choi
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, South Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, South Korea
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea.,Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Joong Ho Shin
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering and Marine-Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea.
| | - Hyun Wook Kang
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering and Marine-Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea. .,Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea.
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Røder HL, Trivedi U, Russel J, Kragh KN, Herschend J, Thalsø-Madsen I, Tolker-Nielsen T, Bjarnsholt T, Burmølle M, Madsen JS. Biofilms can act as plasmid reserves in the absence of plasmid specific selection. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2021; 7:78. [PMID: 34620879 PMCID: PMC8497521 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-021-00249-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmids facilitate rapid bacterial adaptation by shuttling a wide variety of beneficial traits across microbial communities. However, under non-selective conditions, maintaining a plasmid can be costly to the host cell. Nonetheless, plasmids are ubiquitous in nature where bacteria adopt their dominant mode of life - biofilms. Here, we demonstrate that biofilms can act as spatiotemporal reserves for plasmids, allowing them to persist even under non-selective conditions. However, under these conditions, spatial stratification of plasmid-carrying cells may promote the dispersal of cells without plasmids, and biofilms may thus act as plasmid sinks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Lyng Røder
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Urvish Trivedi
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Russel
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Nørskov Kragh
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Herschend
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Thalsø-Madsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tim Tolker-Nielsen
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Bjarnsholt
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Burmølle
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jonas Stenløkke Madsen
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Azevedo NF, Allkja J, Goeres DM. Biofilms vs. cities and humans vs. aliens - a tale of reproducibility in biofilms. Trends Microbiol 2021; 29:1062-1071. [PMID: 34088548 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms are complex and dynamic structures that include many more components than just viable cells. Therefore, the apparently simple goal of growing reproducible biofilms is often elusive. One of the challenges in defining reproducibility for biofilm research is that different research fields use a spectrum of parameters to define reproducibility for their particular application. For instance, is the researcher interested in achieving a similar population density, height of biofilm structures, or function of the biofilm in a certain ecosystem/industrial context? Within this article we categorize reproducibility into four different levels: level 1, no reproducibility; level 2, standard reproducibility; level 3, potential standard reproducibility; and level 4, total reproducibility. To better understand the need for these different levels of reproducibility, we expand on the 'cities of microbes' analogy for biofilms by imagining that a new civilization has reached the Earth's outskirts and starts studying the Earth's cities. This will provide a better sense of scale and illustrate how small details can impact profoundly on the growth and behavior of a biofilm and our understanding of reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno F Azevedo
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Jontana Allkja
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology, and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Darla M Goeres
- Montana State University, Center for Biofilm Engineering, 366 Barnard Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
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