Phage control of dual species biofilms of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Staphylococcus lentus

Despite the recent enthusiasm for using bacteriophages as bacterial control agents, there are only limited studies concerning phage interaction with their respective hosts residing in mixed biofilm consortia and especially in biofilms where the host species is a minor constituent. In the present work, a study was made of mono and dual species biofilms formed by Pseudomonas fluorescens (Gram-negative) and/or Staphylococcus lentus (Gram-positive) and their fate after infection with phages. The dual species biofilms consisted predominantly of S. lentus. The exposure of these biofilms to a cocktail containing both P. fluorescens and S. lentus phages effectively killed and removed the hosts from the substratum. Additionally, this cocktail approach also controlled the hosts released from the biofilms to the planktonic phase. The ability of phages to control a host population present in minority in the mixed species biofilm was also assessed. For this objective, the biofilms were challenged only with phage φIBB-PF7A, specific for P. fluorescens and the results obtained were to some extent unpredicted. First, φIBB-PF7A readily reached the target host and caused a significant population decrease. Secondly, and surprisingly, this phage was also capable of causing partial damage to the biofilms leading to the release of the non-susceptible host (S. lentus) from the dual species biofilms to the planktonic phase. The efficiency of phage treatment of biofilms was to some extent dependent on the number of cells present and also conditioned by the infection strategy (dynamic or static) utilized in the infection of the biofilms. Nevertheless, in most circumstances phages were well capable of controlling their target hosts.     

Adhesion and removal kinetics of Bacillus cereus biofilms on Ni-PTFE modified stainless steel

Biofilm control remains a challenge to food safety. A well-studied non-fouling coating involves codeposition of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) during electroless plating. This coating has been reported to reduce foulant build-up during pasteurization, but opportunities remain in demonstrating its efficacy in inhibiting biofilm formation. Herein, the initial adhesion, biofilm formation, and removal kinetics of Bacillus cereus on Ni-PTFE-modified stainless steel (SS) are characterized. Coatings lowered the surface energy of SS and reduced biofilm formation by > 2 log CFU cm^?2. Characterization of the kinetics of biofilm removal during cleaning demonstrated improved cleanability on the Ni-PTFE coated steel. There was no evidence of biofilm after cleaning by either solution on the Ni-PTFE coated steel, whereas more than 3 log and 1 log CFU cm^?2 of bacteria remained on the native steel after cleaning with water and an alkaline cleaner, respectively. This work demonstrates the potential application of Ni-PTFE non-fouling coatings on SS to improve food safety by reducing biofilm formation and improving the cleaning efficiency of food processing equipment.     

The effects of glutaraldehyde on the control of single and dual biofilms of Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas fluorescens

Glutaraldehyde (GLUT) was evaluated for control of single and dual species biofilms of Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas fluorescens on stainless steel surfaces using a chemostat system. The biofilms were characterized in terms of mass, cell density, total and matrix proteins and polysaccharides. The control action of GLUT was assessed in terms of inactivation and removal of biofilm. Post-biocide action was characterized 3, 7, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment. Tests with planktonic cells were also performed for comparison. The results demonstrated that in dual species biofilms the metabolic activity, cell density and the content of matrix proteins were higher than those of either single species. Planktonic B. cereus was more susceptible to GLUT than P. fluorescens. The biocide susceptibility of dual species planktonic cultures was an average of each single species. Planktonic cells were more susceptible to GLUT than their biofilm counterparts. Biofilm inactivation was similar for both of the single biofilms while dual biofilms were more resistant than single species biofilms. GLUT at 200 mg l^?1 caused low biofilm removal (<10%). Analysis of the post-biocide treatment data revealed the ability of biofilms to recover their activity over time. However, 12 h after biocide application, sloughing events were detected for both single and dual species biofilms, but were more marked for those formed by P. fluorescens (removal >40% of the total biofilm). The overall results suggest that GLUT exerts significant antimicrobial activity against planktonic bacteria and a partial and reversible activity against B. cereus and P. fluorescens single and dual species biofilms. The biocide had low antifouling effects when analysed immediately after treatment. However, GLUT had significant long-term effects on biofilm removal, inducing significant sloughing events (recovery in terms of mass 72 h after treatment for single biofilms and 42 h later for dual biofilms). In general, dual species biofilms demonstrated higher resistance and resilience to GLUT exposure than either of the single species biofilms. P. fluorescens biofilms were more susceptible to the biocide than B. cereus biofilms.     

Identity of hemolysins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus cereus

A hemolysin (Bt-hemolysin) produced by Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki HD-1 producing crystalline toxin(s) was purified by successive treatments of ammonium sulfate (45-65%) and column chromatography using DEAE-cellulose, Sephadex G-75 and KB-002 (a hydroxyapatite column for fast protein liquid chromatography). A hemolysin (Bc-hemolysin) produced by B. cereus HG-6A was also purified by the same procedure. The purified Bt-hemolysin and Bc-hemolysin, both of which are thiol-activated hemolysins, were biologically, physicochemically and immunologically identical. These findings provide further evidence of the similarity of B. thuringiensis, which is being used as a biological insecticide, to B. cereus, a toxigenic organism of food poisoning.     

The effect of hydrodynamic conditions on the phenotype of Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms

Abstract

This study investigated the phenotypic characteristics of monoculture P. fluorescens biofilms grown under turbulent and laminar flow, using flow cells reactors with stainless steel substrata. The cellular physiology and the overall biofilm activity, structure and composition were characterized, and compared, within hydrodynamically distinct conditions. The results indicate that turbulent flow-generated biofilm cells were significantly less extensive, with decreased metabolic activity and a lower protein and polysaccharides composition per cell than those from laminar flow-generated biofilms. The effect of flow regime did not cause significantly different outer membrane protein expression. From the analysis of biofilm activity, structure and composition, turbulent flow-generated biofilms were metabolically more active, had twice more mass per cm², and higher cellular density and protein content (mainly cellular) than laminar flow-generated biofilms. Conversely, laminar flow-generated biofilms presented higher total and matrix polysaccharide contents. Direct visualisation and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that these different flows generate structurally different biofilms, corroborating the quantitative results. The combination of applied methods provided useful information regarding a broad spectrum of biofilm parameters, which can contribute to control and model biofilm processes.     

Antagonism between Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas fluorescens in planktonic systems and in biofilms

In the environment, many microorganisms coexist in communities competing for resources, and they are often associated as biofilms. The investigation of bacterial ecology and interactions may help to improve understanding of the ability of biofilms to persist. In this study, the behaviour of Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas fluorescens in the planktonic and sessile states was compared. Planktonic tests were performed with single and dual species cultures in growth medium with and without supplemental FeCl3. B. cereus and P. fluorescens single cultures had equivalent growth behaviours. Also, when in co-culture under Fe-supplemented conditions, the bacteria coexisted and showed similar growth profiles. Under Fe limitation, 8 h after co-culture and over time, the number of viable B. cereus cells decreased compared with P. fluorescens. Spores were detected during the course of the experiment, but were not correlated with the decrease in the number of viable cells. This growth inhibitory effect was correlated with the release of metabolite molecules by P. fluorescens through Fe-dependent mechanisms. Biofilm studies were carried out with single and dual species using a continuous flow bioreactor rotating system with stainless steel (SS) substrata. Steady-state biofilms were exposed to a series of increasing shear stress forces. Analysis of the removal of dual species biofilms revealed that the outer layer was colonised mainly by B. cereus. This bacterium was able to grow in the outermost layers of the biofilm due to the inhibitory effect of P. fluorescens being decreased by the exposure of the cells to fresh culture medium. B. cereus also constituted the surface primary coloniser due to its favourable adhesion to SS. P. fluorescens was the main coloniser of the middle layers of the biofilm. Single and dual species biofilm removal data also revealed that B. cereus biofilms had the highest physical stability, followed by P. fluorescens biofilms. This study highlights the inadequacy of planktonic systems to mimic the behaviour of bacteria in biofilms and shows how the culturing system affects the action of antagonist metabolite molecules because dilution and consequent loss of activity occurred in continuously operating systems. Furthermore, the data demonstrate the biocontrol potential of P. fluorescens on the planktonic growth of B. cereus and the ability of the two species to coexist in a stratified biofilm structure.     

荧光假单胞菌生防机理的研究进展

荧光假单胞菌是植物根际促生细菌(Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria,PGPR)具有分布广、数量多、营养需要简单、繁殖快、竞争定殖力强的特点。它们能通过产生多种次生代谢物及有效的根际定殖防治植物病害,成为植物生防控制的重要研究对象。主要论述了荧光假单胞菌对植物病害生物防治机理的研究进展。     

Growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens in modified atmosphere packaged tofu

Aims: The objective was to study the growth of Pseudomonas in a food product (tofu) where it typically occurs as a spoilage organism, and when this product is stored under modified atmosphere. Methods and Results: A Pseudomonas strain was isolated from the endogenous microflora of tofu. Tofu was inoculated with the strain, packaged in different gas conditions (air, 100% N₂, 30% CO₂/70% N₂ or 100% CO₂) and stored under refrigerated conditions. Microbial loads and the headspace gas composition were monitored during storage. Conclusions: The strain was capable of growing in atmospheres containing no or limited amounts of oxygen and increased amounts of carbon dioxide. Even when 100% CO₂ was used, growth could not be inhibited completely. Significance and Impact of Study: In contrast to the general characteristics of the genus Pseudomonas (strictly aerobic, highly sensitive to CO₂), it should not be expected in the food industry that removing oxygen from the food package and increasing the carbon dioxide content, combined with cold storage, will easily avoid spoilage by Pseudomonas species. Guarantee of hygienic standards and combination of strategies with other microbial growth inhibiting measures should be implemented.     

Gallium toxicity and adaptation in Pseudomonas fluorescens

When cultured in a defined citrate medium supplemented with 1 mM gallium (III) Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 experienced a lag phase of 40 h with no apparent diminution in cellular yield. Following initial uptake of the metal-ligand complex, gallium was secreted in the spent fluid. This lag phase was abolished either by inoculating the medium with gallium adapted cells or by inclusion of iron (III) (20 microM) in the growth medium. In the culture enriched with both gallium and iron (III), X-ray fluorescence spectra revealed a gradual decrease of gallium from the spent fluid as growth progressed. In a phosphate deficient medium, no cellular multiplication was observed in the presence of gallium. The inhibitory influence mediated by the trivalent metal was reversed by the addition of (20 microM) iron (III). Although bacterial growth was accompanied by an initial decrease in exocellular gallium, a marked increment in the concentration of this metal was observed in the spent fluid at stationary phase of growth. Citrate was not detected in the exocellular fluid at cessation of bacterial multiplication. Electrophoretic analyses revealed numerous variations in the cytoplasmic protein profiles of the control and metal stressed cells. Gallium induced the syntheses of polypeptides with apparent molecular masses of 89 kDa, 50 kDa, 39 kDa, 26 kDa and 12 kDa.     

Expression of the insecticidal crystal protein gene from a Gram-positive Bacillus thuringiensis in a Gram-negative Pseudomonas fluorescens mediated by protoplast fusion

Abstract Protoplast fusion between a Gram-negative strain Pseudomonas fluorescens having plant growth promoting activities and a Gram-positive Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki HD 73 possessing insecticidal activity, was carried out to generate P. fluorescens hybrids possessing insecticidal activity. The antibiotic resistance markers of P. fluorescens (rif^r, nal^r) and the immunoreactivity to the antiserum raised against the crystal proteins of B. thuringiensis var. galleriae were used as selection markers for the hybrids. The hybrids exhibited lethal but differential activity in Heliothis armigera and in Spodoptera litura when compared to the parenthal B. thuringiensis strain. The anti-feedant activity which is characteristic of B. thuringiensis toxin was not observed in the hybrids. Although the presence of sequences homologous to the cloned insecticidal gene of B. thuringiensis was demonstrated, the Western blot analysis of cell extract of the hybrid (PK 105) showed that only low molecular mass crystal proteins (less than 40 kDa) could be detected under denaturing conditions. It indicates that the high molecular mass toxin peptide may be degraded by proteolysis. Besides this, a clear separation of lethal and anti-feedant activity of the B. thuringiensis toxin has been observed by this study.     

Exocellular phosphatidylethanolamine production and multiple-metal tolerance in Pseudomonas fluorescens

Abstract Pseudomonas fluorescens appeared to circumvent the challenge imposed by millimolar amounts of metals (5 mM Al³⁺, 5 mM Fe³⁺, 2 mM Ca²⁺, 1 mM Ga³⁺ and 3 mM Zn²⁺) by the formation of phosphatidylethanolamine. This lipid moiety constituted an important organic component of an insoluble gelatinous residue in which most of the test metals were immobilized at stationary phase of growth. Ultracentrifugation and dialysis experiments showed that the metals were associated with phosphatidylethanolamine from early stages of growth. Transmission electron microscopy revealed metal rich bodies in the cytoplasm prior to their secretion in the spent fluid. These results demonstrate a role of phosphatidylethanolamine in multiple-metal homeostasis.     

Analysis of common antigen of flagella in Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis

Abstract Flagellar antigen of Bacillus cereus H.1 was purified and tested for serodiagnostic antigen by ELISA. The antibody against the flagellar antigen of B. cereus H.1 reacted not only with the homologous specific antigen but also reacted with the flagellar antigens of 23 strains of B. cereus . This common flagellar antigen of B. cereus was found to be due to 61-kDa protein by SDS-PAGE and immunoblot assay. Monoclonal antibody H15A5 against common antigenic epitope of B. cereus also reacted with flagellar antigens of 21 strains of Bacillus thuringiensis by ELISA. This monoclonal antibody reacted with the 61-kDa protein of the flagella of B. cereus H.1 and H.2 and B. thuringiensis Kurstaki HD1, Alesti and Aizawai juroi by immunoblot analysis. These results indicated that the common antigenic epitope of the 61-kDa protein existed in the flagella both of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis .     

Optimization of the hide powder azure assay for quantitating the protease of Pseudomonas fluorescens

The extracellular protease of Pseudomonas fluorescens NC 3 was optimally active at 40°C in a reaction mixture containing: 50 mM HEPES (N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-ethanesulfonic acid) buffer (pH 6.6), 0.5 mM CaCl₂, and 25 mg hide powder azure in 5 ml total volume. Divalent cation chelators, i.e., EDTA, o-phenanthroline, citrate or phosphate, inhibited the enzyme. Protease production by P. fluorescens NC 3 was initiated during late-logarithmic-growth phase in a sodium caseinate medium and reached its maximum at the onset of the stationary phase.     

Nitrite inhibition of denitrification by Pseudomonas fluorescens

Using a pure culture of Pseudomonas fluorescens as a model system nitrite inhibition of denitrification was studies. A mineral media with acetate and nitrate as sole electron donor and acceptor, respectively, was used. Results obtained in continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTR) operated at pH values between 6.6 and 7.8 showed that growth inhibition depended only on the nitrite undissociated fraction concentration (nitrous acid). A mathematical model to describe this dependence is put forward. The maximum nitrous acid concentration compatible with cell growth and denitrification activity was found to be 66 mug N/L. Denitrification activity was partially associated with growth, as described by the Luedeking-Piret equation. However, when the freshly inoculated reactor was operated discontinuosly, nitrite accumulation caused growth uncoupling from denitrification activity. The authors suggest that these results can be interpreted considering that (a) nitrous acid acts as a proton uncoupler; and (b) cultures continuoulsy exposed to nitrous acid prevent the uncoupling effect but not the growth inhibition. Examination of the growth dependence on nitrite concentration at pH 7.0 showed that adapted cultures (grown on CSTR) are less sensitive to nitrous acid inhibition than the ones cultivated in batch. (c) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

利用ERIC-PCR对苏云金芽胞杆菌与蜡状芽胞杆菌进行鉴定的研究

为了探索ERIC-PCR技术在苏云金芽胞杆菌和蜡状芽胞杆菌的鉴定及分型中的应用价值,本研究采用PCR方法初步检测苏云金芽胞杆菌杀虫晶体蛋白基因的组成,并对苏云金芽胞杆菌和蜡状芽胞杆菌的总DNA进行ERIC-PCR扩增,分析ERIC-PCR指纹图谱的特点并采用NTSYS2.10软件对其进行聚类。结果显示,各菌株的ERIC指纹图谱表现出不同程度的多态性,但图谱与菌株所含cry基因的类型存在一定的相关性。聚类分析结果显示,含有相同或相近cry基因类型的Bt菌株在进化树上趋向聚为一类,而不含cry基因的蜡状芽胞杆菌趋向于与不含cry基因的Bt菌株聚为一类或单独聚类。若在多种模式菌株的参考下,该方法可用于苏云金芽胞杆菌的初步鉴定和分型。     

荧光假单胞杆菌P13菌株对油菜化感作用的研究

通过化感试验研究荧光假单胞杆菌P13菌株对油菜种子萌发、幼苗生长的影响及其在油菜根际土壤和根部定植的能力。结果表明,P13菌株发酵液对油菜种子萌发没有明显的促进作用,稀释10倍的菌体发酵液处理种子与对照组无显著差异,而低浓度和高浓度都抑制种子萌发;田间试验发现P13菌株能促进植物幼苗生长,根长、苗高、干重和长1片叶子的株数均与对照组差异显著;1周内P13菌株在油菜根际土壤和根部定植良好,定植数量均达到107cfu/g以上。说明P13菌株可被开发为微生物菌剂,但在施用时不宜用作种子处理剂。     

Studies on the ATPase of Bacillus cereus.

The membrane ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3) of Bacillus cereus was solubilized by a 'shock-wash' process and purified. The non-specific phosphatase contaminant was separated by glycerol density gradient centrifugation. The optimum temperature was 39.5 degrees C and the pH optimum at 7.5. On SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis two classes of subunits were observed in equal proportions with molecular weights of 70 K and 83 K. The effect of various compounds on the enzymatic activity was studied. The enzyme was insensitive to NaN3, oligomycin and to divalent cations, but was inhibited by citrate and oxalate.     

Real-time quantification of Pseudomonas fluorescens cell removal from glass surfaces due to bacteriophage varphiS1 application

Aims:  To study the efficacy of the lytic phage φS1 in eliminating Pseudomonas fluorescens in the early stage of biofilm formation, using an in situ and real time methodology for cell quantification.
Methods and Results:  Cell adhesion and phage infection studies were carried out in a parallel plate flow chamber under laminar conditions. Cells were allowed to adhere until reaching 1·7–1·8 × 10⁶ cells cm⁻² and phage infection was performed with two different phage concentrations (2 × 10⁹ PFU ml⁻¹ and 1 × 10¹⁰ PFU ml⁻¹). Phage concentration clearly affects the speed of infection. The less concentrated phage solution promoted a three times slower rate of cell removal but did not affect the overall percentage of cell removal. In fact, after a longer infection period the less concentrated phage solution reached the same 93% cell removal value.
Conclusions:  Phages are efficient in the eradication of bacterial cells at the early stage of biofilm formation and their presence at the surface did not allow bacterial recolonization of the surface.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  To date, no published studies have been made concerning in situ and real time quantification of cell removal from surfaces due to phage action.