scholarly journals Contribution of Autolysin and Sortase A during Enterococcus faecalis DNA-Dependent Biofilm Development

2009 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 3626-3638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascale S. Guiton ◽  
Chia S. Hung ◽  
Kimberly A. Kline ◽  
Robyn Roth ◽  
Andrew L. Kau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Sortase A ◽  
Hydrodynamic Conditions ◽  
Biofilm Production ◽  
Dna Release ◽  
Biofilm Development

ABSTRACT Biofilm production is a major attribute of Enterococcus faecalis clinical isolates. Although some factors, such as sortases, autolysin, and extracellular DNA (eDNA), have been associated with E. faecalis biofilm production, the mechanisms underlying the contributions of these factors to this process have not been completely elucidated yet. In this study we define important roles for the major E. faecalis autolysin (Atn), eDNA, and sortase A (SrtA) during the developmental stages of biofilm formation under static and hydrodynamic conditions. Deletion of srtA affects the attachment stage and results in a deficiency in biofilm production. Atn-deficient mutants are delayed in biofilm development due to defects in primary adherence and DNA release, which we show to be particularly important during the accumulative phase for maturation and architectural stability of biofilms. Confocal laser scanning and freeze-dry electron microscopy of biofilms grown under hydrodynamic conditions revealed that E. faecalis produces a DNase I-sensitive fibrous network, which is important for biofilm stability and is absent in atn-deficient mutant biofilms. This study establishes the stage-specific requirements for SrtA and Atn and demonstrates a role for Atn in the pathway leading to DNA release during biofilm development in E. faecalis.

scholarly journals Autolysin-Independent DNA Release inStreptococcus pneumoniae in vitroBiofilms

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirian Domenech ◽  
Ernesto García
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Lytic Enzymes ◽  
Microbial Biofilms ◽  
Dna Release

ABSTRACTBiofilms are defined as layers of cells of microorganisms adhered to the surface of a substrate and embedded in an extracellular matrix and provide an appropriate environment for increased genetic exchange. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is an essential component of the extracellular matrix of microbial biofilms, but the pathway(s) responsible for DNA release are largely unknown. Autolysis (either spontaneous or phage-induced) has been proposed the major event leading to the appearance of eDNA. The ‘suicidal tendency’ ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeis well-known, with lysis mainly caused by the triggering of LytA, the major autolytic amidase. However, the LytC lysozyme and CbpD (a possible murein hydrolase) have also been shown involved. The present work examines the relationship between eDNA, autolysins, and the formation and maintenance ofin vitropneumococcal biofilms, via fluorescent labelling combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy, plus genetic transformation experiments. Bacterial DNA release mechanisms other than those entailing lytic enzymes were shown to be involved by demonstrating that horizontal gene transfer in biofilms takes place even in the absence of detectable autolytic activity. It had been previously suggested that the quorum sensing systems ComABCDE and LuxS/AI-2 are involved in the production of eDNA as a response to the accumulation of quorum sensing signals, although our immunofluorescence results do not support this hypothesis. Evidence that the release of DNA is somehow linked to the production of extracellular vesicles byS. pneumoniaeis provided.

scholarly journals The exopolysaccharide–eDNA interaction modulates 3D architecture of Bacillus subtilis biofilm

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Peng ◽  
Peng Cai ◽  
Monika Mortimer ◽  
Yichao Wu ◽  
Chunhui Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Titration Calorimetry ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Matrix Components ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Early Phases

Abstract Background Bacterial biofilms are a surface-adherent microbial community in which individual cells are surrounded by a self-produced extracellular matrix of polysaccharide, extracellular DNA (eDNA) and proteins. Interactions among matrix components within the biofilms are responsible for creating an adaptable structure during biofilm development. However, it is unclear how the interaction among matrix components contributes to the construction of the three-dimensional (3D) biofilm architecture. Results DNase I treatment could significantly inhibit B. subtilis biofilm formation in early phases. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and image analysis revealed that eDNA was cooperative with exopolysaccharide (EPS) in early stages of B. subtilis biofilm development, while EPS played a major structural role in the later stages. In addition, deletion of EPS production gene epsG in B. subtilis SBE1 resulted in loss of the interaction between EPS and eDNA, and reduction of biofilm biomass in pellicles at air-liquid interface. The physical interaction between these two essential biofilm matrix components was confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Conclusions The biofilm 3D structures become interconnected through surrounding eDNA and EPS. eDNA interacts with EPS in the early phases of biofilm development, while EPS mainly participates in the maturation of biofilm. The findings of this study provide better understanding of the role of interaction between eDNA and EPS in shaping the biofilm 3D matrix structure and biofilm formation.

scholarly journals Subinhibitory Concentrations of Mupirocin Stimulate Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation by Upregulating cidA

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ye Jin ◽  
Yinjuan Guo ◽  
Qing Zhan ◽  
Yongpeng Shang ◽  
Di Qu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Subinhibitory Concentrations ◽  
Biofilm Development

ABSTRACT Previous studies have shown that the administration of antibiotics at subinhibitory concentrations stimulates biofilm formation by the majority of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. Here, we investigated the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of mupirocin on biofilm formation by the community-associated (CA) mupirocin-sensitive MRSA strain USA300 and the highly mupirocin-resistant clinical S. aureus SA01 to SA05 isolates. We found that mupirocin increased the ability of MRSA cells to attach to surfaces and form biofilms. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) demonstrated that mupirocin treatment promoted thicker biofilm formation, which also correlated with the production of extracellular DNA (eDNA). Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) results revealed that this effect was largely due to the involvement of holin-like and antiholin-like proteins (encoded by the cidA gene), which are responsible for modulating cell death and lysis during biofilm development. We found that cidA expression levels significantly increased by 6.05- to 35.52-fold (P < 0.01) after mupirocin administration. We generated a cidA-deficient mutant of the USA300 S. aureus strain. Exposure of the ΔcidA mutant to mupirocin did not result in thicker biofilm formation than that in the parent strain. We therefore hypothesize that the mupirocin-induced stimulation of S. aureus biofilm formation may involve the upregulation of cidA.

scholarly journals Characterization of Enterococcus faecalis in different culture conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi-Ah Kim ◽  
Vinicius Rosa ◽  
Kyung-San Min
Keyword(s):  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Colorimetric Assay ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Microscopy Analysis

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate how carbohydrates (glucose or sucrose) affect the characteristics of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) planktonic and biofilm in vitro. For this study, E. faecalis was cultured in tryptone-yeast extract broth with 0% glucose + 0% sucrose, 0.5% glucose, 1% glucose, 0.5% sucrose, or 1% sucrose. Viability of E. faecalis was examined by colony forming unit counting assays. Biofilm formation was assessed by measuring extracellular DNA (eDNA), a component of the biofilm matrix. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to investigate the expression of virulence-associated genes. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis, confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis, and crystal violet colorimetric assay were conducted to study E. faecalis biofilms. E. faecalis showed the highest viability and eDNA levels in 1% sucrose medium in biofilms. The result of qRT-PCR showed that the virulence-associated genes expressed highest in 1% sucrose-grown biofilms and in 1% glucose-grown planktonic cultures. E. faecalis showed highly aggregated biofilms and higher bacteria and exopolysaccharide (EPS) bio-volume in sucrose than in 0% glucose + 0% sucrose or glucose. The results indicate that the production of eDNA and EPS and expression of virulence-associated genes in E. faecalis are affected by the concentration of carbohydrates in biofilm or planktonic culture.

scholarly journals Extracellular DNA (eDNA) enables early detection of the phenotypic switch of Pseudomonas sp. during biofilm development

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Bajoul Kakahi ◽  
Dingrong Kang ◽  
Daniel C. Volke ◽  
Nicolas T. Wirth ◽  
Pablo Ivan Nikel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Dynamic Change ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Phenotypic Switching ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Pseudomonas Sp ◽  
Pseudomonas Putida Kt2440 ◽  
Environmental Perturbations ◽  
Biofilm Development

Microbial populations undergo phenotypic switching as a response to environmental perturbations. For instance, some bacteria switch from a planktonic lifestyle to biofilm, resulting in altered physiological properties such as increased robustness depending on the conditions. However, the precise detection of phenotypic switching events during the bacterial life cycle is still a technical challenge. Propidium iodide (PI) is one of the most frequently used fluorescence indicators for assessing cell viability based on membrane permeability, yet PI-stained cells sometimes display a red-but-not-dead phenotype. In Escherichia coli, this phenomenon is connected to modulation of porins in the outer membrane (OM) to adapt OM permeability according to nutrient availability. In this study, we explored PI staining to assess phenotypic changes in Pseudomonas sp. during biofilm development. We show that this switch is linked to excretion of extracellular DNA (eDNA), rather than modification of OM permeability. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) enabled direct visualization of red fluorescent clusters outside intact membranes of viable cells, suggesting that PI binds eDNA. Besides, the occurrence of PI-positive sub-populations was correlated with biofilm formation in the model bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440. Engineered derivatives thereof with altered biofilm-forming capabilities exposed a whole continuum of phenotypic states involving planktonic cells and aggregates, and were identified according to the dynamic change of PI-positive cells with flow cytometry analysis. Our results demonstrate that PI is a fast, convenient and versatile staining for eDNA to rapidly monitor the phenotypic switching of Pseudomonas sp. during transitions in the bacterial lifestyle.

scholarly journals Activity of Two Antimicrobial Peptides against Enterococcus faecalis in a Model of Biofilm-Mediated Endodontic Infection

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1220
Author(s):  
Giovanni Mergoni ◽  
Maddalena Manfredi ◽  
Pio Bertani ◽  
Tecla Ciociola ◽  
Stefania Conti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Opportunistic Infections ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Biofilm Inhibition ◽  
Endodontic Infection ◽  
Viable Bacteria ◽  
Biofilm Development

Enterococcus faecalis is a common cause of biofilm-associated opportunistic infections, which are often difficult to treat. The formation of E. faecalis biofilms on the dentinal walls of the root canal is frequently the cause of endodontic treatment failure and secondary apical periodontitis. In a preliminary work, two recognized antifungal peptides, KP and L18R, showed antibacterial activity against planktonic E. faecalis cells at micromolar concentrations. Moreover, L18R proved to reduce the biomass in the early stage of E. faecalis biofilm development on polystyrene plates, while a qualitative biofilm inhibition was demonstrated on hydroxyapatite disks by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The aim of this study was to better characterize the effect of both peptides on E. faecalis biofilm. A reduction in metabolic activity after peptide treatment was detected by Alamar Blue assay, while a remarkable impairment in the architecture of E. faecalis biofilms on hydroxyapatite disks, along with a significant reduction in viable bacteria, was caused mostly by L18R, as assessed by CLSM and scanning electron microscopy. The lack of cytotoxicity of the investigated peptides against L929 murine fibroblasts was also determined. Obtained results suggest L18R as a promising candidate for the development of new strategies for endodontic infection control.

Growth and structure of phototrophic biofilms under controlled light conditions

2005 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 203-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Zippel ◽  
T.R. Neu
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Functional Relationships ◽  
Phototrophic Biofilms ◽  
Biofilm Development

Phototrophic biofilms may be defined as interfacial microbial communities mainly driven by light as energy source. Structure, productivity and taxonomic composition of freshwater phototrophic biofilms under different growth conditions were investigated within the EU-project PHOBIA with the following aims: 1) optimisation of wastewater treatment in wetlands, 2) control and prevention of biofouling on submersed objects, and 3) modelling of phototrophic biofilm development. Experiments were carried out in a flow-lane incubator with precise control of external light, temperature, velocity conditions and nutrient-adapted artificial medium. Structure and architecture of phototrophic biofilms at different developmental stages were examined by using multi-channel confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The development of phototrophic biofilms was clearly light dependent. Fast growing phototrophic biofilms were mostly dominated by single species algae and formed less stable structures of up to 900 μm thickness. Biofilms with these dimensions had to be cryo-sectioned and post-stained for CLSM. Laser microscopy analysis also revealed a stratification of phototrophic organisms which was more pronounced in slow growing biofilms. In contrast, at very low light intensity the development of phototrophic biofilms was strongly delayed. In conclusion, structural features and subsequent functional relationships may be key parameters for exploitation, control and modelling of phototrophic biofilms.

scholarly journals The exopolysaccharide–eDNA interaction modulates 3D architecture of Bacillus subtilis biofilm

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Peng ◽  
Peng Cai ◽  
Monika Mortimer ◽  
Yichao Wu ◽  
Chunhui Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Titration Calorimetry ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Matrix Components ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Early Phases

Abstract Background Bacterial biofilms are a surface-adherent microbial community in which individual cells are surrounded by a self-produced extracellular matrix of polysaccharides, extracellular DNA (eDNA) and proteins. Interactions among matrix components within the biofilms are responsible for creating an adaptable structure during biofilm development. However, it is unclear how the interaction among matrix components contributes to the construction of the three-dimensional (3D) biofilm architecture. Results DNase I treatment could significantly inhibit B. subtilis biofilm formation in early phases. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and image analysis revealed that eDNA was cooperative with EPS in early stages of B. subtilis biofilm development, while EPS played a major structural role in the later stages. In addition, deletion of EPS production gene epsG in B. subtilis SBE1 resulted in loss of the interaction between EPS and eDNA, and reduction of biofilm biomass in pellicles at air-liquid interface. The physical interaction between these two essential biofilm matrix components was confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Conclusions The biofilm 3D structures become interconnected through surrounding eDNA and EPS. eDNA interacts with EPS in the early phases of biofilm development, while EPS mainly participates in the maturation of biofilm. The findings of this study provide better understanding of the role of interaction between eDNA and EPS in shaping the biofilm 3D matrix structure and biofilm formation.

scholarly journals The exopolysaccharide–eDNA interaction modulates 3D architecture of Bacillus subtilis biofilm

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Peng ◽  
Peng Cai ◽  
Monika Mortimer ◽  
Yichao Wu ◽  
Chunhui Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Titration Calorimetry ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Matrix Components ◽  
Biofilm Development ◽  
Early Phases

Abstract Background Bacterial biofilms are a surface-adherent microbial community in which individual cells are surrounded by a self-produced extracellular matrix of polysaccharides, extracellular DNA (eDNA) and proteins. Interactions among matrix components within the biofilms are responsible for creating an adaptable structure during biofilm development. However, it is unclear how the interaction among matrix components contributes to the construction of the three-dimensional (3D) biofilm architecture.Results DNase I treatment could significantly inhibit B. subtilis biofilm formation in early phases. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and image analysis revealed that eDNA was cooperative with EPS in early stages of B. subtilis biofilm development, while EPS played a major structural role in the later stages. In addition, deletion of EPS production gene epsG in B. subtilis SBE1 resulted in loss of the interaction between EPS and eDNA, and reduction of biofilm biomass in pellicles at air-liquid interface. The physical interaction between these two essential biofilm matrix components was confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).Conclusions The biofilm 3D structures become interconnected through surrounding eDNA and EPS. eDNA interacts with EPS in the early phases of biofilm development, while EPS mainly participates in the maturation of biofilm. The findings of this study provide better understanding of the role of interaction between eDNA and EPS in shaping the biofilm 3D matrix structure and biofilm formation.

scholarly journals Use of electromagnetic stimulation on an Enterococcus faecalis biofilm on root canal treated teeth in vitro

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz H. D. Panariello ◽  
Justin K. Kindler ◽  
Kenneth J. Spolnik ◽  
Ygal Ehrlich ◽  
George J. Eckert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Root Canal ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Confocal Imaging ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Microscopy Imaging ◽  
Electromagnetic Stimulation ◽  
Root Canal Disinfection

AbstractRoot canal disinfection is of utmost importance in the success of the treatment, thus, a novel method for achieving root canal disinfection by electromagnetic waves, creating a synergistic reaction via electric and thermal energy, was created. To study electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) for the disinfection of root canal in vitro, single rooted teeth were instrumented with a 45.05 Wave One Gold reciprocating file. Specimens were sterilized and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29,212, which grew for 15 days to form an established biofilm. Samples were treated with 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 1.5% NaOCl 1.5% NaOCl with EMS, 0.9% saline with EMS or 0.9% saline. After treatments, the colony forming units (CFU) was determined. Data was analyzed by Wilcoxon Rank Sums Test (α = 0.05). One sample per group was scored and split for confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging. There was a significant effect with the use of NaOCl with or without EMS versus 0.9% saline with or without EMS (p = 0.012 and 0.003, respectively). CFUs were lower when using 0.9% saline with EMS versus 0.9% saline alone (p = 0.002). Confocal imaging confirmed CFU findings. EMS with saline has an antibiofilm effect against E. faecalis and can potentially be applied for endodontic disinfection.

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