Role of electrostatic interactions in cohesion of bacterial biofilms

Springer Science and Business Media LLC - Tập 59 - Trang 718-720 - 2002
X. Chen1,2, P. S. Stewart1
1Center for Biofilm Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering, Montana State University – Bozeman, Bozeman, Montana 59717-3980, USA, USA
2SuperSolutions, Eden Prairie, Minn., USA, USA

Tóm tắt

Significant decreases in the apparent viscosity of a bacterial biofilm suspension were measured following addition of sodium, potassium, magnesium, or calcium salts, whereas iron salts increased the viscosity. Electrostatic interactions contribute to biofilm cohesion and iron cations are potent crosslinkers of the biofilm matrix.