Biofilm formation under high shear stress increases resilience to chemical and mechanical challenges. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simões, L. C.; Gomes, I. B.; Sousa, H.; Borges, A.; Simões, M.
• Is Part Of: Biofouling. Volume 38:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Biocide tolerance -- biofilm resilience -- mechanical removal -- rotating cylinder reactor -- shear stress; Marine fouling organisms -- Periodicals; Materials -- Biodeterioration -- Periodicals; Fouling -- Periodicals; Biodegradation -- Periodicals; Environmental Microbiology -- Periodicals; Water Microbiology -- Periodicals; 576.165
• DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2021.2006189
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-7014

Abstract

Abstract: The effect that the hydrodynamic conditions under which biofilms are formed has on their persistence is still unknown. This study assessed the behaviour of Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms, formed on stainless steel under different shear stress ( τ w ) conditions (1, 2 and 4 Pa), to chemical (benzalkonium chloride – BAC, glutaraldehyde – GLUT and sodium hypochlorite – SHC) and mechanical (20 Pa) treatments (alone and combined). The biofilms formed under different τ w showed different structural characteristics. Those formed under a higher τ w were invariably more tolerant to chemical and mechanical stresses. SHC was the biocide which caused the highest biofilm killing and removal, followed by BAC. The sequential exposure to biocides and mechanical stress was found to be insufficient for effective biofilm control. A basal layer containing biofilm cells mostly in a viable state remained on the surface of the cylinders, particularly for the 2 and 4 Pa-generated biofilms. Graphical Abstract: UF0001