Monitoring of bacterial community structure and growth: An alternative tool for biofilm microanalysis
Guilherme O.A. da Silva,
Simone Pennafirme,
Daniella da Costa Pereira,
Carolina C.C. Waite,
Ricardo T. Lopes,
Inayá C.B. Lima,
Mirian A.C. Crapez
Affiliations
Guilherme O.A. da Silva
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia; Laboratório de Microbiologia Marinha e Ecologia Bacteriana, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Marinha e Ambientes Costeiros, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Corresponding author. School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
Simone Pennafirme
Laboratório de Microbiologia Marinha e Ecologia Bacteriana, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Marinha e Ambientes Costeiros, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
Daniella da Costa Pereira
Laboratório de Microbiologia Marinha e Ecologia Bacteriana, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Marinha e Ambientes Costeiros, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
Carolina C.C. Waite
Laboratório de Microbiologia Marinha e Ecologia Bacteriana, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Marinha e Ambientes Costeiros, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
Ricardo T. Lopes
Nuclear Engineering Program/COPPE, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
Inayá C.B. Lima
Nuclear Engineering Program/COPPE, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
Mirian A.C. Crapez
Laboratório de Microbiologia Marinha e Ecologia Bacteriana, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Marinha e Ambientes Costeiros, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
Microorganisms, such as bacteria, tend to aggregate and grow on surfaces, secreting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), forming biofilms. Biofilm formation is a life strategy, because through it microorganisms can create their own microhabitats. Whether for remediation of pollutants or application in the biomedical field, several methodological approaches are necessary for a more accurate analysis of the role and potential use of bacterial biofilms. The use of computerized microtomography to monitor biofilm growth appears to be an advantageous tool due to its non-destructive character and its ability to render 2D and 3D visualization of the samples. In this study, we used several techniques such as analysis of microbiological parameters and biopolymer concentrations to corroborate porosity quantified by 2D and 3D imaging. Quantification of the porosity of samples by microtomography was verified by increased enzymatic activity and, consequently, higher EPS biopolymer synthesis to form biofilm, indicating growth of the biofilm over 96 h. Our interdisciplinary approach provides a better understanding of biofilm growth, enabling integrated use of these techniques as an important tool in bioremediation studies of environments impacted by pollutants.
