biofilm
Genetics and Molecular BiologyYbeY Controls the Type III and Type VI Secretion Systems and Biofilm Formation through RetS in Pseudomonas aeruginosaPseudomonas aeruginosa causes a variety of acute and chronic infections in humans. The type III secretion system (T3SS) plays an important role in acute infection, and the type VI secretion system (T6SS) and biofilm formation are associated with chronic infections.
Genetics and Molecular BiologyA Viability Quantitative PCR Dilemma: Are Longer Amplicons Better?Viability quantitative PCR (v-qPCR) has evolved into a valuable, mainstream technique for determining the number of viable microorganisms in samples by qPCR. Amplicon length is known to be positively correlated with the ability to distinguish between live and dead bacteria but is negatively correlated with qPCR efficiency.
Microbial EcologyVibrio fischeri Amidase Activity Is Required for Normal Cell Division, Motility, and Symbiotic CompetencePeptidoglycan (PG) is a critical microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP) that is sloughed by cells of V. fischeri during symbiotic colonization of squid. Specifically, this process induces significant remodeling of a specialized symbiotic light organ within the squid mantle cavity.
Environmental MicrobiologyBacillus subtilis Modulates Its Usage of Biofilm-Bound Iron in Response to Environmental Iron AvailabilityRecent pieces of evidence suggest that Fe bound to the biofilm could assume at least two important functions, a local source of Fe for uptake and a support to extracellular metabolism, such as extracellular electron transfer. Our results show that B. subtilis can use biofilm-bound Fe for uptake only if it does not compromise Fe homeostasis of the biofilm, i.e.,...
Environmental MicrobiologyThermoregulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm FormationBiofilm formation is an important protection mechanism used by most microorganisms and provides cells with many advantages, like high infectivity, antibiotic resistance, and strong survivability. Since most persistent bacterial infections are believed to be associated with biofilms, biofilm control is an important issue in medicine, environmental engineering, and industry. Biofilm formation is influenced by various environmental factors...
Genetics and Molecular Biology | SpotlightAlterocin, an Antibiofilm Protein Secreted by Pseudoalteromonas sp. Strain 3J6Biofilms are microbial communities that develop on solid surfaces or interfaces and are detrimental in a number of fields, including for example food industry, aquaculture, and medicine. In the latter, antibiotics are insufficient to clear biofilm infections, leading to chronic infections such as in the case of infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa of the lungs of...
Genetics and Molecular BiologyGenetic Determinants of Salmonella Resistance to the Biofilm-Inhibitory Effects of a Synthetic 4-Oxazolidinone AnalogBiofilms are resistant to killing by disinfectants and antimicrobials. S. enterica biofilms facilitate long-term host colonization and persistence in food processing environments. Synthetic analogs of 4-oxazolidinone natural products show promise as antibiofilm agents. Here, we show that a synthetic 4-oxazolidinone analog inhibits Salmonella biofilm through...
Environmental Microbiology | SpotlightStaphylococcus aureus Aggregates on Orthopedic Materials under Varying Levels of Shear StressPeriprosthetic joint infection occurring after artificial joint replacement is a major clinical issue that require repeated surgeries and antibiotic interventions. Unfortunately, 26% of patients die within 5 years of developing these infections. Staphylococcus aureus is the bacterium most commonly responsible for this problem and can form biofilms to provide...
Food MicrobiologyAntibiofilm Activity of Lactobacillus plantarum 12 Exopolysaccharides against Shigella flexneriS. flexneri is a widespread foodborne pathogen causing food contamination and responsible for food poisoning outbreaks related to various foods in developing countries. Not only has biofilm formation by S. flexneri been difficult to eliminate, but it has also increased the drug resistance of the...
