Study of formation and dispersal of Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on abiotic surface

• Grant number: 11/07062-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2011
• End date: May 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Science
• Principal Investigator: Elaine Cristina Pereira de Martinis
• Grantee: Elaine Cristina Pereira de Martinis
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause serious infections in elderly, immunocompromised, newborns and pregnant women. Contamination by Listeria monocytogenes is considered one of the major problems in the food industry, because this bacterium is widely distributed in nature, is able to survive under some environmental adverse conditions and it is psicrotolerant, it is able to persist in food processing environments and to form biofilm. Biofilms are composed by microrganisms living in communities, adhering to biotic or abiotic surfaces. Microorganisms in biofilms are usually more resistant to disinfection and sanitization procedures than planktonic cells. In this project it will be investigated formation of biofilm by L. monocytogenes on abiotic surfaces at different temperatures and in the presence of DNA degrading enzymes (DNases). The analysis of L. monocytogenes biofilms by fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy with staining for bacterial cells and DNA indicator dye in order to observe the microbial community structure and locate the extracellular DNA (eDNA). It will also be evaluated the type of dispersion that occurs in mature biofilms of L. monocytogenes, and the possible role of biosurfactants and nitric oxide in biofilm dispersal, using analysis by confocal laser scanning microscope combined with tests of cell for viability (LIVE / DEAD BacLightTM and cultivation techniques). This work, should contribute for the understanding of the role of the extracellular matrix polymer eDNA and possible use of DNAse as part of a strategy to control biofilms, and also to analyze mechanisms of dispersal of biofilms of L. monocytogenes in order to develop innovative strategies to control this pathogen. (AU)

Scientific publications

(4)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DOS REIS-TEIXEIRA, FERNANDA BARBOSA; ALVES, VIRGINIA FARIAS; PEREIRA DE MARTINIS, ELAINE CRISTINA. Growth, viability and architecture of biofilms of Listeria monocytogenes formed on abiotic surfaces. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, v. 48, n. 3, p. 587-591, JUL-SEP 2017. (10/10051-3, 11/07062-6)

DOS REIS-TEIXEIRA, FERNANDA BARBOSA; CONCEICAO, NATALIA; DA SILVA, LILIAN PEREIRA; ALVES, VIRGINIA FARIAS; PEREIRA DE MARTINIS, ELAINE CRISTINA. Potential of oxygen and nitrogen reactive intermediates to disperse Listeria monocytogenes from biofilms. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, v. 50, n. 2, p. 501-506, APR 2019. (11/07062-6, 10/10051-3)

REIS-TEIXEIRA, FERNANDA BARBOSA; SOUSA, INGRID PONTES; ALVES, VIRGINIA FARIAS; JACOMETTI CARDOSO FURTADO, NIEGE ARACARI; PEREIRA DE MARTINIS, ELAINE CRISTINA. Evaluation of lemongrass and ginger essential oils to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes in biofilms. JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, v. 39, n. 4, AUG 2019. (10/10051-3, 17/18928-0, 11/07062-6)

DA SILVA, ELIANE PEREIRA; PEREIRA DE MARTINIS, ELAINE CRISTINA. Current knowledge and perspectives on biofilm formation: the case of Listeria monocytogenes. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, v. 97, n. 3, p. 957-968, FEB 2013. (10/12236-0, 11/07062-6)