Micro-scale Environments in Biofilms

A feeling for the micro-organism: structure on a small scale. Biofilms on plant roots

Biofilms are structured communities of bacterial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix and adherent to an inert or living surface; they have clinical, industrial and environmental impacts. Biofilms that are established by bacteria on plants are found on the surfaces of roots, leaves, seeds and internal vascular tissues where the microbes live in commensal, mutualistic or parasitic/...

Determination of glucose diffusion coefficients in biofilms with micro-electrodes.

A glucose micro-electrode was developed for direct measurements inside biofilms, and applied for the determination of effective diffusion coefficients in a model system of agar beads containing immobilized yeast cells. Two methods were used, one based on concentration gradients present at the liquid/solid interface of an active biofilm under steady-state conditions, the other based on the rate ...

Microscopic findings for the study of biofilms in food environments.

The capability of bacteria to colonize food processing surfaces and to form biofilm has become an emerging concern for food industry. The presence and persistence of biofilm on food processing surfaces may pose a risk of food spoilage or food poisoning. A better understanding of bacterial adhesion and resistance of biofilms is needed to ensure quality and safety of food products. This review fo...

Does Campylobacter jejuni form biofilms in food-related environments?

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most frequent causes of bacterial gastrointestinal food-borne infection worldwide. This species is part of the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tracts of animals used for food production, including poultry, which is regarded as the primary source of human Campylobacter infections. The survival and persistence of C. jejuni in food processing environments, e...

Micro-scale Energy Harvesting