Biofilms that Impact on Human Health

Whiteley, R.; Pajkos, Aniko; Vickery, Karen

doi:10.1002/jppr2002322153

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 34 publications

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“…One notorious form of bacterial communities are biofilms [4], which can be defined as bacterial aggregates located on an interface and surrounded by a protective layer of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) [5]. These biofilms offer several benefits to the bacteria, including increased attachment to surfaces and protection against external stresses, which include biocides and antibiotics [6]. The EPS in the biofilm forms a complex mesh of polysaccharides, extracellular DNA (eDNA) and proteins around the bacteria, resulting in decreased penetration of external substances [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Study on the Effect of Contrast Agent on Biofilms and Their Visualization in Porous Substrate Using X-ray μCT

et al. 2020

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Investigation of biofilms and visualization using non-destructive imaging techniques like X-ray μCT has recently gained interest. Biofilms are congregations of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and comprise of microbial cells embedded in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). They are ubiquitous entities that are commonly found in any non-sterile setting and have direct implications on human health. Methods to visualize them in situ are highly needed to understand their behaviour (attachment and detachment) inside a substrate. Contrast-enhanced X-ray μCT is a 3D imaging technique that is capable of visualising objects that have very low attenuation contrast. The use of contrast agents in X-ray μCT has been an evolving process, however, the possible toxic effect of these chemical compounds against biofilms has not been studied in detail. In this study, we focus on the toxic effect of contrast agents and study the diffusion and drainage of contrast agents in biofilms. We propose using water-soluble potassium bromide (KBr) as a suitable contrast agent for enhancement of the attenuation coefficient of a monoculture of Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms inside a porous substrate. At the given concentration, KBr proved to be less bactericidal compared to other commonly used contrast agents and at 5% w/v concentration we were able to clearly distinguish between the biofilm and the porous substrate.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%