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Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Calcium Carbonate Formation in the Presence of Biopolymeric Additives
Published on: May 14, 2019
Magnesium and calcium ions: roles in bacterial cell attachment and biofilm structure maturation
Tianyang Wang1, Steve Flint1, Jon Palmer1
1Institute of Food Science and Technology, School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, New Zealand.
Abstract:
The ubiquitous divalent cations magnesium and calcium are important nutrients required by bacteria for growth and cell maintenance. Multi-faceted roles are shown both in bacterial initial attachment and biofilm maturation. The effects of calcium and magnesium can be highlighted in physio-chemical interactions, gene regulation and bio-macromolecular structural modification, which lead to either promotion or inhibition of biofilms. This review outlines recent research addressing phenotypic changes and mechanisms undertaken by calcium and magnesium in affecting bacterial biofilm formation.
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