Properties of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Onsite Wastewater Treatment Plant in Relation to Biofilm Formation

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine some properties of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains isolated from onsite wastewater technology in relation to biofilm formation, e.g., autoaggregation and motility. Additionally, biosurfactant production by the isolates was also evaluated. The ability of selected strains to develop a biofilm was assessed by using the crystal violet method, which allows to indirectly quantify the attached bacterial biomass (live, dead cells, and polysaccharides as well). Obtained results showed that 19 of the analyzed strains were able to produce biofilm after 72 h of incubation. The low values of surface tension in the range between 28 and 36 mN/m were observed in the bacteria, which are not able to produce biofilm or be classified as weak biofilm producers. Among biofilm-forming strains the highest autoaggregation index was observed for Mycobacterium brumae and Bacillus alcalophilus. Noteworthy, that some strains capable of biofilm formation showed no aggregation abilities or were characterized by low autoaggregative properties. The results of visual autoaggregation assay showed no visible flocs after given time of incubation. The results from motility test demonstrated that most of the analyzed strains were motile. Noteworthy, that up to now literature data about physiology, biofilm formation, and autoaggregative capabilities of bacteria isolated from onsite wastewater technology are very limited and this paper gives the information on the antibiotic-resistant bacteria with ability to form biofilm. Thus, the present study points to develop novel bioinocula in antibiotic degradation and to reach novel biofilm-dispersing agents produced by various bacteria that can be used as disinfectants or surface-coating agents to prevent microbial surface colonization and biofilm development.

Whole Genome Sequencing of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated From a Wastewater Treatment Plant in China

“…Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been regarded as vast reservoirs and environmental suppliers of ARB and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) (Guo et al, 2017; Jałowiecki et al, 2018). Majority of the research has primarily focused on municipal WWTP receiving hospital and household wastewater (Yu et al, 2016; Szekeres et al, 2017; Galler et al, 2018).…”

Characterization of a Lytic Bacteriophage vB_EfaS_PHB08 Harboring Endolysin Lys08 against Enterococcus faecalis Biofilms

“…However, a 0.83-log reduction in the number of viable cells was observed in the lys08-treated biofilm compared with the control ( Figure 4 f). One possible explanation is that crystal violet staining reflects the total biomass in a biofilm, including both living and dead cells, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids [ 31 , 36 , 64 ]. Because endolysins are single proteins, they are likely to be more suitable than entire phages as biological agents.…”

Microbial glycoconjugates in organic pollutant bioremediation: recent advances and applications

“…The surface factors, extracellular polymeric substances, and diffusible signal molecules are critical factors involved in the auto-aggregation and microbial biofilm at polluted sites [121]. Aggregation also depends on microbial interactions such as antagonism, synergism, mutualism, competition, and commensalism [122]. Several in-vitro and in-situ studies based on biofilm have been conducted in recent decades in the field of bioremediation with glycoconjugates.…”