Beneficial biofilms in marine aquaculture? Linking points of biofilm formation mechanisms in <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> and <em>Pseudoalteromonas</em> species

Abstract

For marine aquaculture it is suggested that a specific substrate coated with a beneficial biofilm could prevent fish egg clutches from pathogenic infestations and improve the water quality and health of adult fish while, at the same time, minimising the need for the application of antibiotics. In marine biotopes, the habitat of Pseudoalteromonas species (a strain with suggested beneficial properties), biofilms are mostly discussed in the context of fouling processes. Hence research focuses on unravelling the mechanisms of biofilm formation aiming to prevent formation or to destroy existing biofilms. Initially in this review, particular components of biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a gram-negative model organism that is responsible for nosocomial infections and considered as a food spoiling agent, are described (extracellular appendages, role of matrix components, cell-cell signalling) to get an advanced understanding of biofilm formation. The aim of this treatise is to seek linking points for biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa and Pseudoalteromonas sp., respectively. Furthermore, approaches are discussed for how biofilm formation can be realized to improve fish (larvae) rearing by species of the genus Pseudoalteromonas.

Keywords

• bacterial appendages
• biofilm formation steps
• extracellular polymeric substances
• <i>Pseudomonas</i> sp.
• <i>Pseudoalteromonas</i> sp.
• quorum sensing
• two component systems