Effects of Spo0A on Clostridium acetobutylicum with an emphasis on biofilm formation

AbstractClostridium acetobutylicum is a well-known strain for biofuel production. In previous work, it was found that this strain formed biofilm readily during fermentation processes. Biofilm formation could protect cells and enhance productivities under environmental stresses in our previous work. To explore the molecular mechanism of biofilm formation, Spo0A ofC. acetobutylicum was selected to investigate its influences on biofilm formation and other physiological performances. Whenspo0A gene was disrupted, thespo0A mutant could hardly form biofilm. The aggregation and adhesion abilities of thespo0A mutant as well as its swarming motility were dramatically reduced compared to those of wild type strain. Sporulation was also negatively influenced byspo0A disruption, and solvent production was almost undetectable in thespo0A mutant fermentation. Furthermore, proteomic differences between wild type strain and thespo0A mutant were consistent with physiological performances. This is the first study confirming a genetic clue toC. acetobutylicum biofilm and will be valuable for biofilm optimization through genetic engineering in the future.
Source: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - Category: Microbiology Source Type: research