Temperature-Dependent Biofilm Development in Antarctic Endophytic Microbial Communities
Olga Iungin1,2,3, Geert Potters4,5, Oleksandr Kalinichenko1
1Department of Biotechnology, Leather and Fur, Faculty of Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Technologies, Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, 01011 Kyiv, Ukraine.
Microorganisms
|March 28, 2026
Summary
Antarctic endophytes exhibit thermal plasticity, shifting from growth to protective matrix production under heat stress. This adaptation aids survival in changing climates and during dispersal via endothermic hosts.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Ecology
- Climate Change Research
Background:
- Antarctic ecosystems are vulnerable to climate change.
- Plant resilience is influenced by endophytic microbes.
- Abiotic factors shape microbial communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate temperature-dependent biofilm development in Antarctic endophytes.
- Analyze microbial responses to thermal cues.
- Determine thermal thresholds for growth and matrix production.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Antarctic endophytic microbial communities (ALS and LS).
- Assessing biofilm development under varying temperatures (15-42 °C).
- Utilizing multivariate analysis and measuring cell viability, turbidity, total DNA, and cellulose.
Main Results:
- Moderate warming (15-25 °C) promoted cell viability and turbidity.
- Extreme heat (37-42 °C) induced a shift to matrix-rich biofilms (increased DNA and cellulose).
- At 42 °C, high turbidity did not correlate with viable cells, indicating severe stress.
Conclusions:
- 25 °C is the optimal growth threshold for these endophytes.
- Temperatures of 37-42 °C trigger protective matrix production.
- Thermal plasticity suggests endophytes are adapted for survival in native niches and during dispersal.
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