scholarly journals Specific Electromagnetic Effects of Microwave Radiation on Escherichia coli

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 3017-3022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yury Shamis ◽  
Alex Taube ◽  
Natasa Mitik-Dineva ◽  
Rodney Croft ◽  
Russell J. Crawford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Cell Membrane ◽  
Cell Morphology ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli

ABSTRACTThe present study investigated the effects of microwave (MW) radiation applied under a sublethal temperature onEscherichia coli. The experiments were conducted at a frequency of 18 GHz and at a temperature below 40°C to avoid the thermal degradation of bacterial cells during exposure. The absorbed power was calculated to be 1,500 kW/m3, and the electric field was determined to be 300 V/m. Both values were theoretically confirmed using CST Microwave Studio 3D Electromagnetic Simulation Software. As a negative control,E. colicells were also thermally heated to temperatures up to 40°C using Peltier plate heating. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis performed immediately after MW exposure revealed that theE. colicells exhibited a cell morphology significantly different from that of the negative controls. This MW effect, however, appeared to be temporary, as following a further 10-min elapsed period, the cell morphology appeared to revert to a state that was identical to that of the untreated controls. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated dextran (150 kDa) was taken up by the MW-treated cells, suggesting that pores had formed within the cell membrane. Cell viability experiments revealed that the MW treatment was not bactericidal, since 88% of the cells were recovered after radiation. It is proposed that one of the effects of exposingE. colicells to MW radiation under sublethal temperature conditions is that the cell surface undergoes a modification that is electrokinetic in nature, resulting in a reversible MW-induced poration of the cell membrane.

scholarly journals Exposure of Escherichia coli ATCC 12806 to Sublethal Concentrations of Food-Grade Biocides Influences Its Ability To Form Biofilm, Resistance to Antimicrobials, and Ultrastructure

2013 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 1268-1280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Capita ◽  
Félix Riesco-Peláez ◽  
Alicia Alonso-Hernando ◽  
Carlos Alonso-Calleja
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Cell Surface Hydrophobicity ◽  
Culture Broth ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Subinhibitory Concentrations

ABSTRACTEscherichia coliATCC 12806 was exposed to increasing subinhibitory concentrations of three biocides widely used in food industry facilities: trisodium phosphate (TSP), sodium nitrite (SNI), and sodium hypochlorite (SHY). The cultures exhibited an acquired tolerance to biocides (especially to SNI and SHY) after exposure to such compounds.E. coliproduced biofilms (as observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy) on polystyrene microtiter plates. Previous adaptation to SNI or SHY enhanced the formation of biofilms (with an increase in biovolume and surface coverage) both in the absence and in the presence (MIC/2) of such compounds. TSP reduced the ability ofE. colito produce biofilms. The concentration of suspended cells in the culture broth in contact with the polystyrene surfaces did not influence the biofilm structure. The increase in cell surface hydrophobicity (assessed by a test of microbial adhesion to solvents) after contact with SNI or SHY appeared to be associated with a strong capacity to form biofilms. Cultures exposed to biocides displayed a stable reduced susceptibility to a range of antibiotics (mainly aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, and quinolones) compared with cultures that were not exposed. SNI caused the greatest increase in resistances (14 antibiotics [48.3% of the total tested]) compared with TSP (1 antibiotic [3.4%]) and SHY (3 antibiotics [10.3%]). Adaptation to SHY involved changes in cell morphology (as observed by scanning electron microscopy) and ultrastructure (as observed by transmission electron microscopy) which allowed this bacterium to persist in the presence of severe SHY challenges. The findings of the present study suggest that the use of biocides at subinhibitory concentrations could represent a public health risk.

scholarly journals Calcite Biomineralization by Bacterial Isolates from the Recently Discovered Pristine Karstic Herrenberg Cave

2011 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 1157-1167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Rusznyák ◽  
Denise M. Akob ◽  
Sándor Nietzsche ◽  
Karin Eusterhues ◽  
Kai Uwe Totsche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Seepage Water ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rich Media

ABSTRACTKarstic caves represent one of the most important subterranean carbon storages on Earth and provide windows into the subsurface. The recent discovery of the Herrenberg Cave, Germany, gave us the opportunity to investigate the diversity and potential role of bacteria in carbonate mineral formation. Calcite was the only mineral observed by Raman spectroscopy to precipitate as stalactites from seepage water. Bacterial cells were found on the surface and interior of stalactites by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Proteobacteria dominated the microbial communities inhabiting stalactites, representing more than 70% of total 16S rRNA gene clones. Proteobacteria formed 22 to 34% of the detected communities in fluvial sediments, and a large fraction of these bacteria were also metabolically active. A total of 9 isolates, belonging to the generaArthrobacter,Flavobacterium,Pseudomonas,Rhodococcus,Serratia, andStenotrophomonas, grew on alkaline carbonate-precipitating medium. Two cultures with the most intense precipitate formation,Arthrobacter sulfonivoransandRhodococcus globerulus, grew as aggregates, produced extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and formed mixtures of calcite, vaterite, and monohydrocalcite.R. globerulusformed idiomorphous crystals with rhombohedral morphology, whereasA. sulfonivoransformed xenomorphous globular crystals, evidence for taxon-specific crystal morphologies. The results of this study highlighted the importance of combining various techniques in order to understand the geomicrobiology of karstic caves, but further studies are needed to determine whether the mineralogical biosignatures found in nutrient-rich media can also be found in oligotrophic caves.

scholarly journals The Chromosomal Toxin Gene yafQ Is a Determinant of Multidrug Tolerance for Escherichia coli Growing in a Biofilm

2009 ◽  
Vol 53 (6) ◽  
pp. 2253-2258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe J. Harrison ◽  
William D. Wade ◽  
Sarah Akierman ◽  
Caterina Vacchi-Suzzi ◽  
Carol A. Stremick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Stationary Phase ◽  
Cell Survival ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Toxin Gene ◽  
Persister Cells ◽  
E Coli

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli is refractory to elevated doses of antibiotics when it is growing in a biofilm, and this is potentially due to high numbers of multidrug-tolerant persister cells in the surface-adherent population. Previously, the chromosomal toxin-antitoxin loci hipBA and relBE have been linked to the frequency at which persister cells occur in E. coli populations. In the present study, we focused on the dinJ-yafQ-encoded toxin-antitoxin system and hypothesized that deletion of the toxin gene yafQ might influence cell survival in antibiotic-exposed biofilms. By using confocal laser scanning microscopy and viable cell counting, it was determined that a ΔyafQ mutant produced biofilms with a structure and a cell density equivalent to those of the parental strain. In-depth susceptibility testing identified that relative to wild-type E. coli, the ΔyafQ strain had up to a ∼2,400-fold decrease in cell survival after the biofilms were exposed to bactericidal concentrations of cefazolin or tobramycin. Corresponding to these data, controlled overexpression of yafQ from a high-copy-number plasmid resulted in up to a ∼10,000-fold increase in the number of biofilm cells surviving exposure to these bactericidal drugs. In contrast, neither the inactivation nor the overexpression of yafQ affected the tolerance of biofilms to doxycycline or rifampin (rifampicin). Furthermore, deletion of yafQ did not affect the tolerance of stationary-phase planktonic cells to any of the antibacterials tested. These results suggest that yafQ mediates the tolerance of E. coli biofilms to multiple but specific antibiotics; moreover, our data imply that this cellular pathway for persistence is likely different from that of multidrug-tolerant cells in stationary-phase planktonic cell cultures.

scholarly journals Shape Changes and Interaction Mechanism of Escherichia coli Cells Treated with Sericin and Use of a Sericin-Based Hydrogel for Wound Healing

2016 ◽  
Vol 82 (15) ◽  
pp. 4663-4672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Xue ◽  
Yalong Liu ◽  
Qingsong Zhang ◽  
Congcong Liang ◽  
Huazhen Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Cell Membrane ◽  
Interaction Mechanism ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Membrane Blebbing ◽  
Sterile Gauze

ABSTRACTTo verify the interaction mechanism between sericin andEscherichia coli, especially the morphological and structural changes in the bacterial cells, the antimicrobial activity of sericin againstE. colias a model for Gram-negative bacteria was investigated. The antibacterial activity of sericin onE. coliand the interaction mechanism were investigated in this study by analyzing the growth, integrity, and morphology of the bacterial cells following treatment with sericin. The changes in morphology and cellular compositions of bacterial cells treated with sericin were observed by an inverted fluorescence microscope, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Changes in electrical conductivity, total sugar concentration of the broth for the bacteria, and protein expression of the bacteria were determined to investigate the permeability of the cell membrane. A sericin-based hydrogel was prepared for anin vivostudy of wound dressing. The results showed that the antibacterial activity of the hydrogel increased with the increase in the concentration of sericin from 10 g/liter to 40 g/liter. The introduction of sericin induces membrane blebbing ofE. colicells caused by antibiotic action on the cell membrane. The cytoplasm shrinkage phenomenon was accompanied by blurring of the membrane wall boundaries. WhenE. colicells were treated with sericin, release of intracellular components quickly increased. The electrical conductivity assay indicated that the charged ions are reduced after exposure to sericin so that the integrity of the cell membrane is weakened and metabolism is blocked. In addition, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that sericin hinders the expression of bacterial protein. Sericin may damage the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane, thereby eventually inhibiting the growth and reproduction ofE. coli. Compared to sterile gauze, the sericin-based hydrogel promoted fibroblast cell proliferation and accelerated the formation of granulation tissues and neovessels.IMPORTANCEThe specific relationship and interaction mechanism between sericin andE. colicells were investigated and elucidated. The results show that after 12 h of treatment, sericin molecules induce membrane blebbing ofE. colicells, and the bacteria show decreases in liquidity and permeability of biological membrane, resulting in alterations in the conductivity of the culture medium and the integrity of the outer membrane. The subsequentin vivoresults demonstrate that the sericin-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide [NIPAm-MBA]) hydrogel accelerated wound healing compared to that with sterile gauze, which is a beneficial result for future applications in clinical medicine and the textile, food, and coating industries.

scholarly journals Inhibition of Escherichia coli Biofilm Formation by Self-Assembled Monolayers of Functional Alkanethiols on Gold

2007 ◽  
Vol 73 (13) ◽  
pp. 4300-4307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuyu Hou ◽  
Erik A. Burton ◽  
Karen A. Simon ◽  
Dustin Blodgett ◽  
Yan-Yeung Luk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Amide Bond ◽  
Self Assembled Monolayers ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Assembled Monolayers ◽  
Self Assembled

ABSTRACT Bacterial biofilms cause serious problems, such as antibiotic resistance and medical device-related infections. To further understand bacterium-surface interactions and to develop efficient control strategies, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols presenting different functional groups on gold films were analyzed to determine their resistance to biofilm formation. Escherichia coli was labeled with green florescence protein, and its biofilm formation on SAM-modified surfaces was monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The three-dimensional structures of biofilms were analyzed with the COMSTAT software to obtain information about biofilm thickness and surface coverage. SAMs presenting methyl, l-gulonamide (a sugar alcohol tethered with an amide bond), and tri(ethylene glycol) (TEG) groups were tested. Among these, the TEG-terminated SAM was the most resistant to E. coli biofilm formation; e.g., it repressed biofilm formation by E. coli DH5α by 99.5% ± 0.1% for 1 day compared to the biofilm formation on a bare gold surface. When surfaces were patterned with regions consisting of methyl-terminated SAMs surrounded by TEG-terminated SAMs, E. coli formed biofilms only on methyl-terminated patterns. Addition of TEG as a free molecule to growth medium at concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0% also inhibited biofilm formation, while TEG at concentrations up to 1.5% did not have any noticeable effects on cell growth. The results of this study suggest that the reduction in biofilm formation on surfaces modified with TEG-terminated SAMs is a result of multiple factors, including the solvent structure at the interface, the chemorepellent nature of TEG, and the inhibitory effect of TEG on cell motility.

scholarly journals Behavior of Escherichia coli in a Heterogeneous Gelatin-Dextran Mixture

2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (9) ◽  
pp. 3126-3128 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Boons ◽  
L. Mertens ◽  
E. Van Derlinden ◽  
C. C. David ◽  
J. Hofkens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Bacterial Growth ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning ◽  
Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Absolute Concentration ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACTIn a gelatin-dextran mixture, changing the (relative and/or absolute) concentration of the components leads to the formation of different microstructures. Confocal laser scanning microscopy illustrated that the nature of the microstructure determines the location and morphology ofEscherichia colicolonies. Observations indicate that bacterial growth preferentially occurs in the dextran phase, regardless of the microstructure.

scholarly journals Aqueous mechano-bactericidal action of acicular aragonite crystals

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nobuaki Negishi ◽  
Tomohiro Inaba ◽  
Yukari Miyazaki ◽  
Genki Ishii ◽  
Yingnan Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Hard Water ◽  
Petri Dish ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Black Silicon ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Bactericidal Action ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Biological Affinity

AbstractNanoneedle structures on dragonfly and cicada wing surfaces or black silicon nanoneedles demonstrate antibacterial phenomena, namely mechano-bactericidal action. These air-exposed, mechano-bactericidal surfaces serve to destroy adherent bacteria, but their bactericidal action in the water is no precedent to report. Calcium carbonate easily accumulates on solid surfaces during long-term exposure to hard water. We expect that aragonite nanoneedles, in particular, which grow on TiO2 during the photocatalytic treatment of calcium-rich groundwater, exhibit mechano-bactericidal action against bacteria in water. Here, we showed that acicular aragonite modified on TiO2 ceramics prepared from calcium bicarbonate in mineral water by photocatalysis exhibits mechanical bactericidal activity against E. coli in water. Unmodified, calcite-modified and aragonite-modified TiO2 ceramics were exposed to water containing E. coli (in a petri dish), and their bactericidal action over time was investigated under static and agitated conditions. The surfaces of the materials were observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the live/dead bacterial cells were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. As a result, the synergistic bactericidal performance achieved by mechano-bactericidal action and photocatalysis was demonstrated. Aragonite itself has a high biological affinity for the human body different from the other whisker-sharpen nanomaterials, therefore, the mechano-bactericidal action of acicular aragonite in water is expected to inform the development of safe water purification systems for use in developing countries.

scholarly journals Biocoatings: Painting bacteria on surfaces

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (7A) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Krings ◽  
Yuxiu Chen ◽  
Suzie Hingley-Wilson ◽  
Joseph L. Keddie
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Yellow Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Inorganic Nanoparticles ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Polymer Materials ◽  
Latex Film ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
E Coli

Background: Biocoatings are nanoporous polymer materials which encapsulate bacterial cells with carbohydrates as osmoprotectants. Here, we optimised biocoatings to offer a favourable environment for the metabolic activity of bacteria. Methods: E. coli were used as a model organism and mixed with the colloidal polymer particles (i.e. synthetic latex), inorganic nanoparticles and different carbohydrates. Films were casted and dried to create a coalesced latex film and finally rehydrated to re-establish bacterial metabolism. The toxicity of the sterile latices to the bacteria was tested by using the colourimetric redox indicator resazurin. Visualisation of the bacteria inside the biocoatings was performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: We introduced halloysite (clay nanotubes) to create nanoporosity, which created voids in the structure that will permit gas exchange. The biocoatings were tested in liquid and rehydrated states with resazurin to find the most promising composition ensuring bacterial viability. Rehydrated biocoatings were visualised by CLSM by tracking the constitutively expressed yellow-fluorescent protein (YFP) for viable cells and the membrane exclusion dye propidium iodide for dead cells. The structure of the biocoatings appeared to be unaffected by freeze-drying compared to chemical fixation. Following this fixation, SEM allowed the observation of the organisation of the latex polymers, halloysite and bacteria. Conclusions: The biocoatings were highly porous thanks to halloysite. E. coli survived the film formation process. Next, we will use E. coli and cyanobacteria to achieve higher efficiency for a variety of applications e.g. pollutant degradation, solar energy harvesting and carbon recycling.

scholarly journals Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum Biofilms on the Adhesion of Escherichia coli to Urinary Tract Devices

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 966
Author(s):  
Fábio M. Carvalho ◽  
Rita Teixeira-Santos ◽  
Filipe J. M. Mergulhão ◽  
Luciana C. Gomes
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Lactobacillus Plantarum ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Optimal Growth ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Static Conditions

Novel technologies to prevent biofilm formation on urinary tract devices (UTDs) are continually being developed, with the ultimate purpose of reducing the incidence of urinary infections. Probiotics have been described as having the ability to displace adhering uropathogens and inhibit microbial adhesion to UTD materials. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of pre-established Lactobacillus plantarum biofilms on the adhesion of Escherichia coli to medical-grade silicone. The optimal growth conditions of lactobacilli biofilms on silicone were first assessed in 12-well plates. Then, biofilms of L. plantarum were placed in contact with E. coli suspensions for up to 24 h under quasi-static conditions. Biofilm monitoring was performed by determining the number of culturable cells and by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Results showed significant reductions of 76%, 77% and 99% in E. coli culturability after exposure to L. plantarum biofilms for 3, 6 and 12 h, respectively, corroborating the CLSM analysis. The interactions between microbial cell surfaces and the silicone surface with and without L. plantarum biofilms were also characterized using contact angle measurements, where E. coli was shown to be thermodynamically less prone to adhere to L. plantarum biofilms than to silicone. Thus, this study suggests the use of probiotic cells as potential antibiofilm agents for urinary tract applications.

scholarly journals Effects of lipid emulsions on the formation of Escherichia coli–Candida albicans mixed-species biofilms on PVC

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanshan Li ◽  
Wanshi Duan ◽  
Yujie Lei ◽  
Zhonghui Wang ◽  
Chaojiang Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Lipid Emulsions ◽  
Mixed Species ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractPatients receiving lipid emulsions are at increased risk of contracting catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in the clinic. More than 15% of CRBSIs are polymicrobial. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of lipid emulsions on the formation of Escherichia coli (E. coli)–Candida albicans (C. albicans) mixed-species biofilms (BFs) on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) surfaces and the underlying mechanism. Mixed-species BFs were produced by coculturing E. coli and C. albicans with PVC in various concentrations of lipid emulsions. Crystal violet staining and XTT assays were performed to test the mixed-species BF biomass and the viability of microbes in the BFs. The microstructures of the BFs were observed by an approach that combined confocal laser scanning microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and scanning electron microscopy. The study found that lipid emulsions could promote the formation of E. coli–C. albicans mixed-species BFs, especially with 10% lipid emulsions. The mechanism by which lipid emulsions promote mixed-species BF formation may involve significant upregulation of the expression of the flhDC, iha, HTA1, and HWP1 genes, which are associated with bacterial motility, adhesion, and BF formation. The results derived from this study necessitate strict aseptic precautions when handling lipid emulsions and avoiding the use of high concentrations of lipid emulsions for as long as possible.

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