Establishment of experimental biofilms using the modified robbins device and flow cells

Hall-Stoodley, Luanne, Rayner, Joanna C., Stoodley, Paul and Lappin-Scott, Hilary M. (1999) Establishment of experimental biofilms using the modified robbins device and flow cells. In, Edwards, C. (ed.) Environmental Monitoring of Bacteria. New York, US. Humana Press, pp. 307-319. (doi:10.1385/0-89603-566-2:307).

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that biofilms (a complex organisation of bacterial cells present at a surface or interface, which produces a slime-like matrix) represent the primary mode of bacterial growth in all environments studied to (1). There are numerous advantages to bacteria growing in biofilms. These include increased protection against changes in the external environment, antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics (2) and grazing predators such as amoebae and (3) as well as increased access to limited nutrients (4). Biofilms are of interest in medical, industrial and natural environments for several reasons. They can act as reservoirs from which the subsequent dissemination of pathogens may occur. Legionella pneumophila has been shown to be harboured within biofilms formed within drinking water pipelines (5). Biofilms are also associated with many medical implants (6). In industrial systems detrimental effects may occur following biofilm growth such as reductions in heat transfer efficiency and flow capacity. Biofouling also markedly increases corrosion (7). Finally, biofilms represent a site for many environmental processes such as gene transfer, nutrient utilisation and biodegradation (8).

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Contributors

Author: Paul Stoodley

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