Title : Exploring Biofilm Behavior and Disinfectant Response in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Across Static and Flowing Conditions
Abstract:
Biofilm formation, a key microbial adaptation, is mostly examined in static settings. This research investigates biofilm development in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, exploring into the behavior of six food spoilage isolates (FBR1-FBR6) and reference strain WCFS1 under static and dynamic flow conditions. The study also examines the effect of peracetic acid (PAA) and benzalkonium chloride (BKC) on planktonic, static, and dynamic flow biofilm cells.The outcomes highlight strain-specific disparities in biofilm formation and resistance to disinfectants, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive understanding of both static and flow-related biofilm characteristics.Static biofilm development in L. plantarum, a non-motile bacterium, appears to be predominantly passive, involving cell aggregation and surface attachment. When subjected to flow, responses differ among strains. While WCFS1, FBR1, FBR2, FBR5, and FBR6 maintain consistent CV staining results between static and flow conditions, FBR3 and FBR4 exhibit enhanced biofilm production under flow, possibly due to shear-trapping effects and increased extracellular polymeric substance formation. Concerning disinfection resistance, biofilm cells consistently exhibit greater tolerance to PAA and BKC than planktonic cells across strains, with specific nuances. Noticeably, dispersed flow biofilm cells demonstrate comparable resistance to disinfectants as in situ flow biofilm cells, implying that the flow biofilm environment naturally makes them more resistant. Nutrient availability and physiological adaptations due to shear stress and microenvironment variances contribute to strain-specific resilience patterns.
In the food industry, these findings have significant implications for managing contamination and spoilage risks. The study underscores the complex interplay between biofilm dynamics, disinfectant responses, and microenvironmental factors in L. plantarum, providing insights that can shape effective biofilm control strategies.
Auidence Take Away:
The audience engaging with this research will gain valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of biofilm development and disinfectant resistance in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum under both static and dynamic conditions. These insights offer practical implications across various fields:
- Application in Industry: Professionals in the food industry will benefit by better understanding the behavior of L. plantarum biofilms. This knowledge will aid in developing more effective strategies for managing contamination and spoilage risks, leading to improved food safety and quality control.Research and Teaching: Other researchers and educators can use this study as a foundation to expand their research or enhance their teaching materials. The insights into biofilm behavior under varying conditions contribute to the broader understanding of microbial adaptations and their responses to changing environments.
Informed Decision-Making: The study's findings offer new information that can assist in addressing complex biofilm-related challenges. This knowledge empowers professionals to make informed decisions when developing interventions against biofilm-associated issues.
