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Growth and characterization of Escherichia coli DH5α biofilm on concrete surfaces as a protective layer against microbiologically influenced concrete deterioration (MICD)

  • Biotechnological Products and Process Engineering
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Abstract

Biofilms of selected bacteria strains were previously used on metal coupons as a protective layer against microbiologically influenced corrosion of metals. Unlike metal surfaces, concrete surfaces present a hostile environment for growing a protective biofilm. The main objective of this research was to investigate whether a beneficial biofilm can be successfully grown on mortar surfaces. Escherichia coli DH5α biofilm was grown on mortar surfaces for 8 days, and the structure and characteristics of the biofilm were studied using advanced microscopy techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy in combination with fluorescence in situ hybridization, live/dead, extracellular polymer staining, ATP analysis, and membrane filtration. A biofilm layer with a varying thickness of 20–40 μm was observed on the mortar surface. The distribution of live and dead bacteria and extracellular polymers varied with depth. The density of the live population near the mortar surface was the lowest. The bacteria reached their highest density at three fourths of the biofilm depth and then decreased again near the biofilm–liquid interface. Overall, the results indicated a healthy biofilm growth in the chosen growth period of 8 days, and it is expected that longer growth periods would lead to formation of a more resistant biofilm with more coverage of mortar surfaces.

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the funding received from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to support this research project. The authors also thank Prof. Thomas K. Wood from the Texas A&M University for providing the E. coli DH5α strain used in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada

    Sahar Soleimani, Banu Ormeci & O. Burkan Isgor

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  1. Sahar Soleimani
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  2. Banu Ormeci
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  3. O. Burkan Isgor
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Correspondence to Banu Ormeci.

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Soleimani, S., Ormeci, B. & Isgor, O.B. Growth and characterization of Escherichia coli DH5α biofilm on concrete surfaces as a protective layer against microbiologically influenced concrete deterioration (MICD). Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 97, 1093–1102 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-012-4379-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-012-4379-3

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