World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

, Volume 29, Issue 9, pp 1695–1703 | Cite as

Anti-biofouling property of vanillin on Aeromonas hydrophila initial biofilm on various membrane surfaces

Original Paper

Abstract

Biofouling is a serious problem on filter membranes of water purification systems due to formation of bacterial biofilms, which can be detrimental to the membrane performance. Biofouling occurs on membrane surface and therefore greatly influences the physical and chemical aspects of the surface. Several membranes including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes were used to learn about the anti-biofouling properties of vanillin affecting the membrane performances. Vanillin has been recognized as a potential quorum quenching compound for Aeromonas hydrophila biofilms. The initial attachment and dynamics of biofilm growth were monitored using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Biofilm quantities were measured using a plate count method and total protein determinations. Vanillin addition was effective in the prevention of biofilm formation on the tested membrane surfaces. Among the membranes, RO membranes made with cellulose acetate showed the most substantial reduction of biofilm formation by addition of vanillin. The biofilm reduction was confirmed by the results of surface coverage, biomass and protein accumulation. The HPLC spectrum of the spent culture with vanillin addition showed that vanillin may interfere with quorum sensing molecules and thus prevent the formation of the biofilms.

Keywords

Anti-biofouling Aeromonas hydrophila RO membrane Vanillin Quorum sensing 

Notes

Conflict of interest

We declare that we have no conflict of interest.

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Environmental EngineeringKonkuk UniversityGwangjin GuRepublic of Korea
  2. 2.Department of Biotechnology, School of Science, Engineering and TechnologyIndus International UniversityUnaIndia
  3. 3.Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringSejong UniversityGwangjin GuRepublic of Korea
  4. 4.Department Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)Saarland UniversitySaarbrückenGermany

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