Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms subjected to phage phiIBB-PF7A

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Food Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Pseudomonas fluorescens is a significant food spoilage microorganism, frequently forming resilient biofilms.
• Bacterial biofilms exhibit inherent resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents.
• Bacteriophages (phages) are explored as alternative biofilm control agents due to their specificity and environmental safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a newly isolated bacteriophage, phiIBB-PF7, in controlling Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms.
• To understand the influence of biofilm formation conditions (static vs. dynamic, medium renewal) on phage treatment outcomes.
• To assess phage behavior and persistence within the biofilm matrix.

Main Methods:

• Formation of P. fluorescens biofilms under varied static and dynamic conditions.
• Application of bacteriophage phiIBB-PF7 to established biofilms of different ages.
• Quantification of biofilm biomass removal and enumeration of surviving P. fluorescens cells.
• Analysis of phage progeny within the biofilm matrix and on the substratum.

Main Results:

• Phage phiIBB-PF7 achieved significant biomass removal, ranging from 63% to 91%, depending on biofilm age and formation conditions.
• Rapid reduction in viable P. fluorescens cells was observed within 4 hours, regardless of biofilm age.
• Static biofilm formation conditions resulted in higher phage progeny entrapment compared to dynamic conditions.
• Biofilm characteristics and P. fluorescens morphology were influenced by formation conditions.

Conclusions:

• Bacteriophage phiIBB-PF7 demonstrates high efficiency in rapidly removing P. fluorescens biofilms.
• Optimizing biofilm formation and phage application conditions is crucial for effective sanitation.
• Phage integration and entrapment within biofilms suggest potential for enhanced control strategies, alone or with biocides.