Study of the initial phase of biofilm formation using a biofomic approach.

AIMS

The purpose of this work was to study the initial steps of formation of a biofilm using the BioFilm Ring Test and the Crystal violet staining technique.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eight strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were studied. The two methods revealed that four strains formed a rapid biofilm. The biofilm formed by these strains was detected after only 45 min with the BioFilm Ring Test and after 6h with the Crystal violet method. The enumeration of bacteria of the PA01 strain confirmed that, after 30 min, a significant amount of bacteria had attached on the bottom of the culture wells. After 48 h the Crystal violet method detected a biofilm with all strains. The four strains which rapidly formed a biofilm did not differ from the slow-forming strains by their mucoid character or their swarming motility or their synthesis of rhamnose. They showed higher swimming mobility.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the BioFilm Ring Test is a method specially suited for the study of the initial phase of the formation of a biofilm.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

The BioFilm Ring Test is an easy and rapid alternative to the Crystal violet staining and the enumeration methods.