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Biofilms

Biofilms

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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Preparation of Binary and Ternary Deep Eutectic Systems

Preparation of Binary and Ternary Deep Eutectic Systems

Published on: October 31, 2019

Natural deep eutectic solvents as biofilm structural breakers.

Maria F Nava-Ocampo¹, Lamya Al Fuhaid¹, Robert Verpoorte²

¹Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.

|June 17, 2021

Summary

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) offer a green alternative for biofilm removal. These eco-friendly solvents effectively break down biofilm structures by solubilizing key components, paving the way for sustainable water treatment.

Keywords:

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents aerobic granular sludge biofilm structural modifiers green solvents

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Area of Science:

Green Chemistry
Biotechnology
Environmental Science

Background:

Conventional solvents for biofilm cleaning pose environmental hazards.
Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) are emerging as sustainable alternatives.
NADES utilize supramolecular interactions of natural compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate NADES as a novel biofilm structural breaker.
To evaluate the efficacy of NADES in complex systems.
To develop a greener method for biofilm treatment and component extraction.

Main Methods:

Two NADES formulations (betaine:urea:water and lactic acid:glucose:water) were synthesized.
Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy were employed.
Analysis was conducted before and after biofilm treatment.

Main Results:

NADES successfully solubilized up to approximately 70% of extracellular matrix components.
The solubilization process weakened the overall biofilm structure.
Enhanced biofilm removal and component extraction were observed.

Conclusions:

NADES demonstrate significant potential as environmentally friendly solvents for biofilm disruption.
This technology offers a greener approach for extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) extraction.
NADES can be applied in various water treatment systems for sustainable biofilm management.