[Investigation of the structure of biofilms formed by sulfur cycle bacteria on metal matrices].

The structure of biofilm formed by Thiobacillus thioparus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia on the metal matrix was investigated. Use of electron microscope-microanalysis showed that these bacteria can form biofilms 34-94 microm thick on metal different in their structure and elemental sulfur composition. A biofilm formed by mixed culture of Thiobacillus thioparus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia had a developed interior structure and biofilm porosity. The use of the confocal laser scanning microscope permitted to show nonuniform location of the colony. Mixed cultures, in contrast to individual ones, can form conglomerates which consist of cells and exopolymers submerged in the biofilm thickness.