Abstract
Formation of biofilm on surfaces is a common feature in aquatic environments. Major groups of inhabitants in conditions where light is present are photoautotrophic microorganisms, such as cyanobacteria and microalgae. This study examined the effect of light quality on growth and biofilm formation of the microalgal species Chlorella vulgaris. Dense biofilm formation and aggregated growth of cells were observed in treatments exposed to blue, purple and white light. Less dense biofilm formation and solitary growth of cells were observed in treatments exposed to red, yellow or green light. Microalgal biofilms are of high importance in many respects, not least from an economic perspective. One example is the intense efforts undertaken to control biofilm formation on technical surfaces such as ship hulls. The present study suggests that light quality plays a role in biofilm formation and that blue-light receptors may be involved.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank Kerstin Brismar for skilful help with SEM. The project was financed by the Ångpanneföreningen Foundation for Research and Development.
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Hultberg, M., Asp, H., Marttila, S. et al. Biofilm Formation by Chlorella vulgaris is Affected by Light Quality. Curr Microbiol 69, 699–702 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-014-0645-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-014-0645-1