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Updated: Aug 27, 2026
Microtiter Dish Biofilm Formation Assay
Published on: January 30, 2011
Insights on Klebsiella pneumoniae Biofilms Assembled on Different Surfaces Using Phenotypic and Genotypic Approaches
Maria Bandeira1,2, Vítor Borges3, João P Gomes4
1Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Unidade de Investigação e Desenvolvimento-Lisboa, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal. mariamfbandeira@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a prominent etiological agent of healthcare associated infections (HAIs). In this context, multidrug-resistant and biofilm-producing bacteria are of special public health concern due to the difficulties associated with treatment of human infections and eradication from hospital environments. Here, in order to study the impact of medical devices-associated materials on the biofilm dynamics, we performed biofilm phenotypic analyses through a classic and a new scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique for three multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates growing on polystyrene and silicone. We also applied whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to search for genetic clues underlying biofilm phenotypic differences. We found major differences in the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content among the three strains, which were further corroborated by in-depth EPS composition analysis. WGS analysis revealed a high nucleotide similarity within the core-genome, but relevant differences in the accessory genome that may account for the detected biofilm phenotypic dissimilarities, such as genes already associated with biofilm formation in other pathogenic bacteria (e.g., genes coding haemogglutinins and haemolysins). These data reinforce that the research efforts to defeat bacterial biofilms should take into account that their dynamics may be contingent on the medical devices-associated materials.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms differ based on medical device materials. Genetic variations in accessory genomes influence these biofilm differences, impacting healthcare-associated infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
- Multidrug-resistant and biofilm-producing strains pose significant treatment and eradication challenges.
- Medical device materials can influence bacterial biofilm formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of medical device materials on Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm dynamics.
- To identify genetic factors contributing to observed differences in biofilm phenotypes.
- To understand the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in biofilm formation.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic biofilm analyses using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on polystyrene and silicone.
- Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates.
- In-depth analysis of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) composition.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in EPS content and composition were observed among three K. pneumoniae strains.
- WGS revealed high core-genome similarity but notable accessory genome differences.
- Accessory genome variations included genes associated with biofilm formation, such as haemagglutinins and haemolysins.
Conclusions:
- Medical device material significantly influences Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm dynamics.
- Accessory genome variations are likely responsible for strain-specific biofilm phenotypes.
- Future strategies to combat bacterial biofilms must consider material interactions.
