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Interactions between biofilms and the environment
T J Beveridge1, S A Makin, J L Kadurugamuwa
1Canadian Bacterial Disease Network-National Centre of Excellence, Guelph, Ont., Canada. tjb@micro.uoguelph.ca
FEMS Microbiology Reviews
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Bacterial surfaces interact with their environment, influencing mineral formation and biofilm development. Gram-negative bacteria use lipopolysaccharide for attachment and release membrane vesicles that can lyse other cells for nutrients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Bacterial surfaces are charged and interact with the environment, influencing mineral formation and metal concentration.
- Bacteria often form biofilms on interfaces for nutrient concentration and protection, rather than existing freely (planktonic).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of lipopolysaccharide in the initial attachment of Gram-negative bacteria to interfaces.
- To explore the formation and function of membrane vesicles released by Gram-negative bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Pseudomonas aeruginosa model system to study bacterial surface interactions.
- Analyzed changes in lipopolysaccharide during biofilm formation.
- Investigated the composition and activity of membrane vesicles.
Main Results:
- Lipopolysaccharide is crucial for the initial attachment of Gram-negative bacteria to surfaces.
- Surface lipopolysaccharide composition changes during biofilm development.
- Gram-negative bacteria release membrane vesicles containing periplasmic components, including peptidoglycan hydrolases.
Conclusions:
- Membrane vesicles released by Gram-negative bacteria may act predatorily, lysing neighboring cells to release nutrients.
- This vesicle-mediated lysis benefits vesicle-producing bacteria in mixed microbial communities, enhancing nutrient availability.