Early biofilm and streamer formation is mediated by wall shear stress and surface wettability: A multifactorial microfluidic study

We used a microfluidic platform to investigate biofilm development by applying four different wall shear stresses simultaneously and tested three different surfaces with varying hydrophobicity. Our key results showed that surface wettability played a role in biofilm formation forCobetia marina andPseudomonas aeruginosa at low shear stress. However, this was minimized as the shear stress increased. Biofilm streamers were observed at the highest shear stress. AbstractBiofilms are intricate communities of microorganisms encapsulated within a self-produced matrix of extra-polymeric substances (EPS), creating complex three-dimensional structures allowing for liquid and nutrient transport through them. These aggregations offer constituent microorganisms enhanced protection from environmental stimuli —like fluid flow—and are also associated with higher resistance to antimicrobial compounds, providing a persistent cause of concern in numerous sectors like the marine (biofouling and aquaculture), medical (infections and antimicrobial resistance), dentistry (plaque on teeth), food safety, as we ll as causing energy loss and corrosion. Recent studies have demonstrated that biofilms interact with microplastics, often influencing their pathway to higher trophic levels. Previous research has shown that initial bacterial attachment is affected by surface properties. Using a microfluidic flow ce ll, we have investigated the relationship between both wall shear stress (τw) and surface pr...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research