Biofilms Flashcards
How do biofilms adhere to surfaces?
Via a range of chemical interactions such as hydrophillic and polar
Give an example of a device related biofilm infection
- Catheters
- Contact lenses
Give an example of a tissue related biofilm infection
- Ear infection
- Dental plaque
How do biofilms cause the corrosion of metals?
The biofilms will have an anerobic layer which will result in iron oxidation
How are biofilms used in waste water treatment?
Sewage is trickled over a bed of biofilms which will remove and oxidise most organic compounds
What benefits does the bacteria get when being within a biofilm?
- A net to catch food
- Protection from environment and predators
What are the factors require for biofilm formation?
- Extracellular filamentous appendages
- Cell attachment
- Extracellular polymeric substances
- Cell-cell communication
How can we study biofilms?
- Flow cells
- Phase contrast microscopy
- Calgary method
What genes are involved in bacteria’s sensing of a solid surface?
CpxA
What gene does CpxA activate when it senses cellular contact?
cpxR
What does the removal of cpxR expression lead to?
Detachment of cell
What affect does a mutation on the flagellum have on biofilm formation?
The mutants where unable to attach
What affect does a mutation on the pilli have on biofilm formation?
They could attach, but no colonoy was found to form
What would a mutation in the LapA gene result in?
No adhesion to the surface
Which lap protein was found to be extracellular?
LapA
