Characterising the structure of photosynthetic biofilms using fluid dynamic gauging

Biofouling
B SalleyD I Wilson

Abstract

A new configuration of the fluid dynamic gauging technique for measuring soft layers on surfaces was used to monitor the growth of a cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. WH 5701, on stainless steel (SS), glass and an indium tin oxide (ITO) on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substratum. The biofilm thickness increased steadily over 4 weeks and exhibited noticeable changes in microstructure and strength. The biofilms all exhibited a two-layer structure, with a compact layer next to the substratum and a loose layer above. Biofilms on ITO or SS exhibited cohesive failure when removed by fluid shear whereas those on glass exhibited adhesive failure. The technique is able to elucidate various aspects of biofilm behaviour, as illustrated by the action of a biocide (NaOCl) on a mature biofilm.

References

Feb 1, 1983·Journal of Biomechanical Engineering·R N VaishnavJ Vossoughi
Jun 1, 1995·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·C T HuangP S Stewart
Sep 20, 2002·Brazilian Dental Journal·Carlos EstrelaJesus D Pécora
May 24, 2005·Biophysical Chemistry·Y Liu, Q Zhao
Mar 21, 2006·Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces·C I PereniE Abel
Jun 14, 2008·Research in Microbiology·Karen Otto
Jun 4, 2010·PloS One·John M PisciottaIlia V Baskakov
Jun 17, 2011·Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids·Chen Liu, Qi Zhao

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Methods Mentioned

BETA
scanning electron microscopy
confocal microscopy

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Biofilm & Infectious Disease

Biofilm formation is a key virulence factor for a wide range of microorganisms that cause chronic infections.Here is the latest research on biofilm and infectious diseases.