Quantitative observations of heterogeneities in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms

Appl Environ Microbiol. 1993 Jan;59(1):327-9. doi: 10.1128/aem.59.1.327-329.1993.

Abstract

Heterogeneity in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm was quantified by measuring distributions of thickness in biofilm samples and a distribution of particle sizes in effluent samples. The mean steady-state thickness was approximately 33 microns, but individual measurements ranged from 13.3 to 60.0 microns. Particles exceeding 100 microns3 were observed in the reactor effluent. The results reveal a rough biofilm surface and indicate that most biomass detaches in the form of multicellular particles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Adhesion
  • Bacteriological Techniques
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Microbiology*
  • Particle Size
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / growth & development*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / physiology