scholarly journals Amyloid-Like Adhesins Produced by Floc-Forming and Filamentous Bacteria in Activated Sludge

2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 1517-1526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Poul Larsen ◽  
Jeppe Lund Nielsen ◽  
Daniel Otzen ◽  
Per Halkjær Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Amyloid Fibrils ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Filamentous Bacteria ◽  
Foam Forming

ABSTRACT Amyloid proteins (fimbriae or other microbial surface-associated structures) are expressed by many types of bacteria, not yet identified, in biofilms from various habitats, where they likely are of key importance to biofilm formation and biofilm properties. As these amyloids are potentially of great importance to the floc properties in activated sludge wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), the abundance of amyloid adhesins in activated sludge flocs from different WWTP and the identity of bacteria producing these were investigated. Amyloid adhesins were quantified using a combination of conformationally specific antibodies targeting amyloid fibrils, propidium iodide to target all fixed bacterial cells, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and digital image analysis. The biovolume fraction containing amyloid adhesins ranged from 10 to 40% in activated sludge from 10 different WWTP. The identity of bacteria producing amyloid adhesins was determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization with oligonucleotide probes in combination with antibodies or thioflavin T staining. Among the microcolony-forming bacteria, amyloids were primarily detected among Alpha- and Betaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria. A more detailed analysis revealed that many denitrifiers (from Thauera, Azoarcus, Zoogloea, and Aquaspirillum-related organisms) and Actinobacteria-related polyphosphate-accumulating organisms most likely produced amyloid adhesins, whereas nitrifiers did not. Many filamentous bacteria also expressed amyloid adhesins, including several Alphaproteobacteria (e.g., Meganema perideroedes), some Betaproteobacteria (e.g., Aquaspirillum-related filaments), Gammaproteobacteria (Thiothrix), Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi (e.g., Eikelboom type 1851), and some foam-forming Actinobacteria (e.g., Gordonia amarae). The results show that amyloid adhesins were an abundant component of activated sludge extracellular polymeric substances and seem to have unexpected, divers functions.

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 Microbial Composition and Structure of Aerobic Granular Sewage Biofilms

2007 ◽  
Vol 73 (19) ◽  
pp. 6233-6240 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. D. Weber ◽  
W. Ludwig ◽  
K.-H. Schleifer ◽  
J. Fried
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Simultaneous Detection ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Granule Formation ◽  
Biofilm Development

ABSTRACT Aerobic activated sludge granules are dense, spherical biofilms which can strongly improve purification efficiency and sludge settling in wastewater treatment processes. In this study, the structure and development of different granule types were analyzed. Biofilm samples originated from lab-scale sequencing batch reactors which were operated with malthouse, brewery, and artificial wastewater. Scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy together with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) allowed insights into the structure of these biofilms. Microscopic observation revealed that granules consist of bacteria, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), protozoa and, in some cases, fungi. The biofilm development, starting from an activated sludge floc up to a mature granule, follows three phases. During phase 1, stalked ciliated protozoa of the subclass Peritrichia, e.g., Epistylis spp., settle on activated sludge flocs and build tree-like colonies. The stalks are subsequently colonized by bacteria. During phase 2, the ciliates become completely overgrown by bacteria and die. Thereby, the cellular remnants of ciliates act like a backbone for granule formation. During phase 3, smooth, compact granules are formed which serve as a new substratum for unstalked ciliate swarmers settling on granule surfaces. These mature granules comprise a dense core zone containing bacterial cells and EPS and a loosely structured fringe zone consisting of either ciliates and bacteria or fungi and bacteria. Since granules can grow to a size of up to several millimeters in diameter, we developed and applied a modified FISH protocol for the study of cryosectioned biofilms. This protocol allows the simultaneous detection of bacteria, ciliates, and fungi in and on granules.

Evaluation of the extracellular polymeric substances by confocal laser scanning microscopy in conventional activated sludge and advanced membrane bioreactors treating hospital wastewater

2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (11) ◽  
pp. 2287-2294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mousaab Alrhmoun ◽  
Claire Carrion ◽  
Magali Casellas ◽  
Christophe Dagot
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Membrane Bioreactors ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning ◽  
Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Conventional Activated Sludge

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) combined with fluorescent viability indicators, was used in this study to investigate the impact of hospital wastewaters on floc structure and composition. In this work, three pilot-scale projects, two membrane bioreactors (MBRs) with a submerged or external membrane bioreactor and a conventional activated sludge, were installed and operated for 65 days. They were fed with an influent sampled directly from the hospital drainage system, which contained micropollutant concentrations ranging from ng/L to mg/L. Samples of flocs were observed using CLSM to characterize the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) stained with concanavalin A–tetra methylrhodamine and fluorescein isothiocyanate solution and combined with a fluorescent viability indicator (Baclight® Bacterial Viability Kit, Molecular Probes), allowing visualization of isolated stained cells in the three-dimensional structure of flocs (damaged or not). The results of CLSM of the sludge composition were compared with classical biochemical analysis of EPS made through a thermal extraction method. The results showed a good relation between these analyses and the statistical treatment of microscopic pictures.

ACTIVATED SLUDGE FLOC CHARACTERIZATION BY CONFOCAL LASER SCANNING MICROSCOPY

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 669-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Szabolcs Szilveszter ◽  
Botond Raduly ◽  
Szilard Bucs ◽  
Beata Abraham ◽  
Szabolcs Lanyi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning ◽  
Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser

scholarly journals Bactericidal compounds controlling growth of the plant pathogen pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, which forms biofilms composed of a novel exopolysaccharide

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Ghods ◽  
Ian Sims ◽  
MF Moradali ◽  
BHA Rehma
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Syringae ◽  
Chlorine Dioxide ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Virulent Strain ◽  
Bactericidal Effect ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Base Layer ◽  
Confocal Laser

© 2015, American Society for Microbiology. Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae is the major cause of bacterial canker and is a severe threat to kiwifruit production worldwide. Many aspects of the disease caused by P. syringae pv. actinidiae, such as the pathogenicity-relevant formation of a biofilm composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), are still unknown. Here, a highly virulent strain of P. syringae pv. actinidiae, NZ V-13, was studied with respect to biofilm formation and architecture using a flow cell system combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy. The biofilm formed by P. syringae pv. actinidiae NZ V-13 was heterogeneous, consisting of a thin cellular base layer 5 μm thick and microcolonies with irregular structures. The major component of the EPSs produced by P. syringae pv. actinidiae NZ V-13 bacteria was isolated and identified to be an exopolysaccharide. Extensive compositional and structural analysis showed that rhamnose, fucose, and glucose were the major constituents, present at a ratio of 5:1.5:2. Experimental evidence that P. syringae pv. actinidiae NZ V-13 produces two polysaccharides, a branched α-D-rhamnan with side chains of terminal α-D-Fucf and an α-D-1,4-linked glucan, was obtained. The susceptibility of the cells in biofilms to kasugamycin and chlorine dioxide was assessed. About 64 and 73% of P. syringae pv. actinidiae NZ V-13 cells in biofilms were killed when kasugamycin and chlorine dioxide were used at 5 and 10 ppm, respectively. Kasugamycin inhibited the attachment of P. syringae pv. actinidiae NZ V-13 to solid surfaces at concentrations of 80 and 100 ppm. Kasugamycin was bacteriostatic against P. syringae pv. actinidiae NZ V-13 growth in the planktonic mode, with the MIC being 40 to 60 ppm and a bactericidal effect being found at 100 ppm. Here we studied the formation, architecture, and composition of P. syringae pv. actinidiae biofilms as well as used the biofilm as a model to assess the efficacies of bactericidal compounds.

A new method for extraction of extracellular polymeric substances from biofilms and activated sludge suitable for direct quantification of sorbed metals

2001 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 25-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Wuertz ◽  
R. Spaeth ◽  
A. Hinderberger ◽  
T. Griebe ◽  
H.-C. Flemming ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Microbial Population ◽  
Zinc Concentration ◽  
Extraction Procedure ◽  
Cation Exchange Resin ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Sorption Behavior ◽  
Gradual Change

A method for extraction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) with a dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 ether was developed to determine levels of organic and inorganic contaminants sorbed to EPS. The crown ether selectively binds alkaline and alkaline earth metals but not heavy metals. The effectiveness of the extraction procedure was higher than that of 2 other methods tested and comparable with that of a method based on a cation exchange resin. On average it was possible to extract 20% of the TOC, 12% of the total protein content, and 4% of the total carbohydrate content of sludge or biofilm biomass. Metal sorption studies in activated sludge showed no influence of exposure time on the fractionation of metals within the biomass. Metals sorbed mostly to cellular material. In biofilms 12.2% of the cadmium and 9.1% of the zinc added was found in the EPS. In activated sludge EPS contained only 2.9% zinc. The distribution of metals within the biomass was dose dependent. The percentage of metals found in EPS decreased with increasing metal concentration. This indicates a higher affinity of metals for cellular binding sites. Time course experiments in a rotating biofilm annular reactor, which consisted of an external cylinder with removable slides and an internal solid drum, revealed a gradual change in zinc concentration associated with EPS, although the total zinc concentration in the biomass remained constant. Concurrently, the amount of extractable EPS decreased. This was a consequence of a microbial population shift, with bacterial counts decreasing and algal and fungal biomass increasing. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy and the fluorescent metal complexing agent Newport Green for in situ detection of zinc it was shown that metals were bound to algae and fungi in the latter part of the experiment. The biofilm became more and more heterogeneous coinciding with a decrease in EPS. To summarize, the observed sorption behavior of metals cannot be explained with the conventional paradigm of EPS ashydrophilic gel. Obviously, different binding mechanisms must be invoked to explain the role of EPS in the sorption and removal of toxic substances in activated sludge and biofilm systems. It is important to consider the microbial population to understand differences in sorption in different matrices.

scholarly journals In Situ Characterization ofNitrospira-Like Nitrite-Oxidizing Bacteria Active in Wastewater Treatment Plants

2001 ◽  
Vol 67 (11) ◽  
pp. 5273-5284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holger Daims ◽  
Jeppe L. Nielsen ◽  
Per H. Nielsen ◽  
Karl-Heinz Schleifer ◽  
Michael Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Phylogenetic Affiliation

ABSTRACT Uncultivated Nitrospira-like bacteria in different biofilm and activated-sludge samples were investigated by cultivation-independent molecular approaches. Initially, the phylogenetic affiliation of Nitrospira-like bacteria in a nitrifying biofilm was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Subsequently, a phylogenetic consensus tree of theNitrospira phylum including all publicly available sequences was constructed. This analysis revealed that the genusNitrospira consists of at least four distinct sublineages. Based on these data, two 16S rRNA-directed oligonucleotide probes specific for the phylum and genus Nitrospira, respectively, were developed and evaluated for suitability for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The probes were used to investigate the in situ architecture of cell aggregates ofNitrospira-like nitrite oxidizers in wastewater treatment plants by FISH, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and computer-aided three-dimensional visualization. Cavities and a network of cell-free channels inside the Nitrospiramicrocolonies were detected that were water permeable, as demonstrated by fluorescein staining. The uptake of different carbon sources byNitrospira-like bacteria within their natural habitat under different incubation conditions was studied by combined FISH and microautoradiography. Under aerobic conditions, theNitrospira-like bacteria in bioreactor samples took up inorganic carbon (as HCO3 − or as CO2) and pyruvate but not acetate, butyrate, and propionate, suggesting that these bacteria can grow mixotrophically in the presence of pyruvate. In contrast, no uptake by theNitrospira-like bacteria of any of the carbon sources tested was observed under anoxic or anaerobic conditions.

scholarly journals Raman Spectroscopic Characterization of Endodontic Biofilm Matrices

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Ramirez-Mora ◽  
Claudia Dávila-Pérez ◽  
Fernando Torres-Méndez ◽  
Grettel Valle-Bourrouet
Keyword(s):  
Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Spectroscopic Characterization ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Endodontic Infections

Endodontic persistent infections are often mediated by bacterial biofilms. This mode of bacterial growth is characterized by the presence of a matrix mainly composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) that protect the encased microorganisms. To establish better control and disinfection protocols, elucidation of the main components of biofilm matrices present in endodontic infections is required. The aim of the present study was to characterize the principal components ofE. faecalis,A. naeslundii, and dual-species biofilm matrices by means of Raman spectroscopy and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) techniques. The total biomass of biofilms was quantified via crystal violet assays, and the monospecies biofilms showed higher biomass than the dual-species biofilms. Raman spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to identify the biochemical composition and structure of the biofilm matrices. Spectra originating from the biofilms of two endodontic pathogens show the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, and nucleic acids in all samples; however, variation in the levels of expression of these biomolecules allows spectroscopic differentiation of the biofilms using principal component analysis. This study is the first attempt to identify the composition of monospecies and dual-species biofilms of endodontic origin. Our data provides an important approach to the understanding of molecular dynamics of endodontic infections.

scholarly journals Effects of Operational Parameters on Biofilm Formation of Mixed Bacteria for Hydrogen Fermentation

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (21) ◽  
pp. 8863
Author(s):  
Jie Mei ◽  
Huize Chen ◽  
Qiang Liao ◽  
Abdul-Sattar Nizami ◽  
Ao Xia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Formation Process ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Extracellular Polymeric Substances ◽  
Packed Bed ◽  
Dark Fermentation ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Packed Bed Reactor ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Operational Parameters

Dark fermentation of organic wastes, such as food waste and algae, via mixed hydrogen-producing bacteria (HPB) is considered a sustainable approach for hydrogen production. The biofilm system protects microorganisms from the harmful environment and avoids the excessive loss of bacteria caused by washout, which ensures that the dark fermentation process remains stable. In this study, a downflow anaerobic packed-bed reactor was commissioned to investigate the biofilm formation process of mixed HPB under various operational parameters. Scanning electron microscopy indicated changes in surface morphology during the biofilm formation period. Proteins and polysaccharides in extracellular polymeric substances were identified by confocal laser scanning microscopy to reveal their distribution characteristics. A hydraulic retention time of 0.5 d, a substrate concentration of 15 g/L and an HPB inoculum ratio of 35% were identified as the optimal operational parameters for biofilm formation. The diversity of bacteria between suspension and biofilm showed significantly different distributions; Clostridiales and Lactobacillales were identified as the dominant orders in the biofilm formation process. The abundances of Clostridiales and Lactobacillales were 15.1% and 56.2% in the biofilm, respectively.

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