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Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...
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Green algae, also referred to as chlorophytes, are different from red algae in having the chloroplasts containing chlorophylls a and b, which give them their distinct green hue. However, they lack phycobiliproteins, preventing them from developing the red or blue-green pigmentation seen in red algae. In terms of photosynthetic pigment composition, green algae closely resemble plants and share a close evolutionary relationship with them. Taxonomically Green algae belong to Phylum Chlorophyta in...
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The kingdom Archaeplastida encompasses red and green algae, along with land plants. Unlike other protists with chloroplasts that arose through secondary endosymbiosis, only red and green algae originated from primary endosymbiotic events. This diverse group of eukaryotic organisms contains chlorophyll and performs oxygenic photosynthesis.Algae exist in various forms, from large brown kelp in coastal waters to green scum in puddles and stains on rocks or soil. Some species are responsible for...
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Red algae, also known as rhodophytes, are primarily found in marine environments, though some species inhabit freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. These organisms exist in both unicellular and multicellular forms, with some multicellular varieties reaching macroscopic sizes.As phototrophic organisms, red algae contain chlorophyll a; however, their chloroplasts lack chlorophyll b. Instead, they possess phycobiliproteins, which serve as major light-harvesting pigments, similar to those found in...
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Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
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Biofilm formation by pathogenic Prototheca algae.

J Kwiecinski1

  • 1Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Letters in Applied Microbiology
|September 23, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Prototheca algae, the only pathogenic plants, form biofilms that resist treatment and evade immune responses. This discovery offers new insights into treating these challenging algal infections.

Keywords:
IL-6Protothecaamphotericin Bbiofilmmatrixperipheral blood mononuclear cell

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Mycology
  • Plant Pathology

Background:

  • Prototheca algae are unique pathogenic plants, yet infection mechanisms remain largely unknown.
  • Chronic and difficult-to-treat infections are characteristic of Prototheca, but underlying reasons are unclear.
  • Biofilm formation is a known virulence factor in bacterial and fungal pathogens, but its role in Prototheca was uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the capacity of Prototheca algae to form biofilms.
  • To characterize the composition and properties of Prototheca biofilms.
  • To assess the impact of Prototheca biofilms on host immune responses and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Main Methods:

  • Culturing of various Prototheca species under different conditions.
  • Microscopic analysis to observe biofilm structure and matrix components (DNA, polysaccharides).
  • In vitro assays measuring immune cell (mononuclear) activation (IL-6 release) and antimicrobial efficacy against planktonic and biofilm cells.

Main Results:

  • All tested Prototheca species formed robust biofilms across all growth phases.
  • Prototheca biofilms possess a matrix containing DNA and polysaccharides, and their formation is influenced by host plasma or milk.
  • Biofilms exhibited reduced IL-6 release from immune cells and lower susceptibility to antimicrobials compared to free-swimming (planktonic) cells.

Conclusions:

  • Prototheca algae, like bacteria and fungi, are capable of forming biofilms.
  • These biofilms may contribute to the chronic and treatment-resistant nature of Prototheca infections.
  • Prototheca biofilm formation represents a potential in vitro correlate of pathogenicity, opening new avenues for research and therapeutic development.