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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Fractal analysis of Xylella fastidiosa biofilm formation

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Author(s):
Moreau, A. L. D. [1] ; Lorite, G. S. [1] ; Rodrigues, C. M. [2] ; Souza, A. A. [2] ; Cotta, M. A. [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, DFA, IFGW, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Ctr APTA Citros Sylvio Moreira, Inst Agron, BR-13490970 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Applied Physics; v. 106, n. 2 JUL 15 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 5
Abstract

We have investigated the growth process of Xylella fastidiosa biofilms inoculated on a glass. The size and the distance between biofilms were analyzed by optical images; a fractal analysis was carried out using scaling concepts and atomic force microscopy images. We observed that different biofilms show similar fractal characteristics, although morphological variations can be identified for different biofilm stages. Two types of structural patterns are suggested from the observed fractal dimensions D(f). In the initial and final stages of biofilm formation, D(f) is 2.73 + 0.06 and 2.68 + 0.06, respectively, while in the maturation stage, D(f) = 2.57 + 0.08. These values suggest that the biofilm growth can be understood as an Eden model in the former case, while diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) seems to dominate the maturation stage. Changes in the correlation length parallel to the surface were also observed; these results were correlated with the biofilm matrix formation, which can hinder nutrient diffusion and thus create conditions to drive DLA growth. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. {[}DOI: 10.1063/1.3173172] (AU)