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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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Narciso DAC, Pereira A, Dias NO, Monteiro M, Melo LF, Martins FG. 3D Optical Coherence Tomography image processing in BISCAP: characterization of biofilm structure and properties. Bioinformatics 2024; 40:btae041. [PMID: 38265243 PMCID: PMC10868339 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btae041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION BISCAP is a state-of-the-art tool for automatically characterizing biofilm images obtained from Optical Coherence Tomography. Limited availability of other software tools is reported in the field. BISCAP's first version processes 2D images only. Processing 3D images is a problem of greater scientific relevance since it deals with the entire structure of biofilms instead of their 2D slices. RESULTS Building on the image-processing principles and algorithms proposed earlier for 2D images, these were adapted to the 3D case, and a more general implementation of BISCAP was developed. The primary goal concerns the extension of the initial methodology to incorporate the depth axis in 3D images; multiple improvements were also made to boost computational performance. The calculation of structural properties and visual outputs was extended to offer new insights into the 3D structure of biofilms. BISCAP was tested using 3D images of biofilms with different morphologies, consistently delivering accurate characterizations of 3D structures in a few minutes using standard laptop machines. Low user dependency is required for image analysis. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION BISCAP is available from https://github.com/diogonarciso/BISCAP. All images used in the tutorials and the validation examples are available from https://web.fe.up.pt/∼fgm/biscap3d.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo A C Narciso
- CERENA—Centro Recursos Naturais e Ambiente, Department of Chemical Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Pereira
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
| | - Nuno O Dias
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
| | - Manuel Monteiro
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
| | - Luis F Melo
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
| | - Fernando G Martins
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto 4200-465, Portugal
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Romeu MJ, Morais J, Vasconcelos V, Mergulhão F. Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on Cyanobacterial Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1450. [PMID: 37760746 PMCID: PMC10525773 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a range of disinfecting formulations is commercially available, hydrogen peroxide is one of the safest chemical agents used for disinfection in aquatic environments. However, its effect on cyanobacterial biofilms is poorly investigated. In this work, biofilm formation by two filamentous cyanobacterial strains was evaluated over seven weeks on two surfaces commonly used in marine environments: glass and silicone-based paint (Sil-Ref) under controlled hydrodynamic conditions. After seven weeks, the biofilms were treated with a solution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to assess if disinfection could affect long-term biofilm development. The cyanobacterial biofilms appeared to be tolerant to H2O2 treatment, and two weeks after treatment, the biofilms that developed on glass by one of the strains presented higher biomass amounts than the untreated biofilms. This result emphasizes the need to correctly evaluate the efficiency of disinfection in cyanobacterial biofilms, including assessing the possible consequences of inefficient disinfection on the regrowth of these biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João 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 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; (J.M.); (V.V.)
| | - 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; (J.M.); (V.V.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe 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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Knisz J, Eckert R, Gieg LM, Koerdt A, Lee JS, Silva ER, Skovhus TL, An Stepec BA, Wade SA. Microbiologically influenced corrosion-more than just microorganisms. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad041. [PMID: 37437902 PMCID: PMC10479746 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad041] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a phenomenon of increasing concern that affects various materials and sectors of society. MIC describes the effects, often negative, that a material can experience due to the presence of microorganisms. Unfortunately, although several research groups and industrial actors worldwide have already addressed MIC, discussions are fragmented, while information sharing and willingness to reach out to other disciplines are limited. A truly interdisciplinary approach, which would be logical for this material/biology/chemistry-related challenge, is rarely taken. In this review, we highlight critical non-biological aspects of MIC that can sometimes be overlooked by microbiologists working on MIC but are highly relevant for an overall understanding of this phenomenon. Here, we identify gaps, methods, and approaches to help solve MIC-related challenges, with an emphasis on the MIC of metals. We also discuss the application of existing tools and approaches for managing MIC and propose ideas to promote an improved understanding of MIC. Furthermore, we highlight areas where the insights and expertise of microbiologists are needed to help progress this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Knisz
- Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Faculty of Water Sciences, University of Public Service, 6500, Baja, Hungary
| | - R Eckert
- Microbial Corrosion Consulting, LLC, Commerce Township, 48382, MI, USA
| | - L M Gieg
- Petroleum Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - A Koerdt
- Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), 12205, Berlin, Germany
| | - J S Lee
- Naval Research Laboratory, Ocean Sciences Division, Stennis Space Center, 39529, MS, USA
| | - E R Silva
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8 bdg, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
- CERENA - Centre for Natural Resources and the Environment, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - T L Skovhus
- Research Center for Built Environment, Energy, Water and Climate, VIA, University College, 8700, Horsens, Denmark
| | - B A An Stepec
- Department of Energy and Technology, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Nygårdsgaten 112, 5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - S A Wade
- Bioengineering Research Group, Swinburne University of Technology, 3122, Melbourne, Australia
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Romeu MJ, Mergulhão F. Development of Antifouling Strategies for Marine Applications. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1568. [PMID: 37375070 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine biofouling is an undeniable challenge for aquatic systems since it is responsible for several environmental and ecological problems and economic losses. Several strategies have been developed to mitigate fouling-related issues in marine environments, including developing marine coatings using nanotechnology and biomimetic models, and incorporating natural compounds, peptides, bacteriophages, or specific enzymes on surfaces. The advantages and limitations of these strategies are discussed in this review, and the development of novel surfaces and coatings is highlighted. The performance of these novel antibiofilm coatings is currently tested by in vitro experiments, which should try to mimic real conditions in the best way, and/or by in situ tests through the immersion of surfaces in marine environments. Both forms present their advantages and limitations, and these factors should be considered when the performance of a novel marine coating requires evaluation and validation. Despite all the advances and improvements against marine biofouling, progress toward an ideal operational strategy has been slow given the increasingly demanding regulatory requirements. Recent developments in self-polishing copolymers and fouling-release coatings have yielded promising results which set the basis for the development of more efficient and eco-friendly antifouling strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João 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
| | - Filipe 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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Sousa-Cardoso F, Teixeira-Santos R, Campos AF, Lima M, Gomes LC, Soares OSGP, Mergulhão FJ. Graphene-Based Coating to Mitigate Biofilm Development in Marine Environments. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:381. [PMID: 36770342 PMCID: PMC9919625 DOI: 10.3390/nano13030381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Due to its several economic and ecological consequences, biofouling is a widely recognized concern in the marine sector. The search for non-biocide-release antifouling coatings has been on the rise, with carbon-nanocoated surfaces showing promising activity. This work aimed to study the impact of pristine graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) on biofilm development through the representative marine bacteria Cobetia marina and to investigate the antibacterial mechanisms of action of this material. For this purpose, a flow cytometric analysis was performed and a GNP/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface containing 5 wt% GNP (G5/PDMS) was produced, characterized, and assessed regarding its biofilm mitigation potential over 42 days in controlled hydrodynamic conditions that mimic marine environments. Flow cytometry revealed membrane damage, greater metabolic activity, and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by C. marina when exposed to GNP 5% (w/v) for 24 h. In addition, C. marina biofilms formed on G5/PDMS showed consistently lower cell count and thickness (up to 43% reductions) than PDMS. Biofilm architecture analysis indicated that mature biofilms developed on the graphene-based surface had fewer empty spaces (34% reduction) and reduced biovolume (25% reduction) compared to PDMS. Overall, the GNP-based surface inhibited C. marina biofilm development, showing promising potential as a marine antifouling coating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Sousa-Cardoso
- 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
| | - Rita Teixeira-Santos
- 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
| | - Ana Francisca Campos
- 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
| | - Marta Lima
- 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
| | - 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
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Olívia S. G. P. Soares
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LSRE-LCM—Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering—Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - 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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