Growth, viability and architecture of biofilms of Listeria monocytogenes formed on abiotic surfaces

Autor(es)

dos Reis-Teixeira, Fernanda Barbosa ; Alves, Virginia Farias ; Pereira de Martinis, Elaine Cristina

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Brazilian Journal of Microbiology; v. 48, n. 3, p. 587-591, JUL-SEP 2017.
• Citações Web of Science: 24

Resumo

Abstract The pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes can persist in food processing plants for many years, even when appropriate hygienic measures are in place, with potential for contaminating ready-to-eat products and, its ability to form biofilms on abiotic surfaces certainly contributes for the environmental persistence. In this research, L. monocytogenes was grown in biofilms up 8 days attached to stainless steel and glass surfaces, contributing for advancing the knowledge on architecture of mature biofilms, since many literature studies carried out on this topic considered only early stages of cell adhesion. In this study, biofilm populations of two strains of L. monocytogenes (serotypes 1/2a and 4b) on stainless steel coupons and glass were examined using regular fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and classic culture method. The biofilms formed were not very dense and microscopic observations revealed uneven biofilm structures, with presence of exopolymeric matrix surrounding single cells, small aggregates and microcolonies, in a honeycomb-like arrangement. Moreover, planktonic population of L. monocytogenes (present in broth media covering the abiotic surface) remained stable throughout the incubation time, which indicates an efficient dispersal mechanism, since the culture medium was replaced daily. In conclusion, even if these strains of L. monocytogenes were not able to form thick multilayer biofilms, it was noticeable their high persistence on abiotic surfaces, reinforcing the need to focus on measures to avoid biofilm formation, instead of trying to eradicate mature biofilms. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 04/08868-0 - Consolidação do Centro de Microscopia Funcional do Campus da USP/ Ribeirão Preto
• Beneficiário: Roy Edward Larson
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Programa Equipamentos Multiusuários
• Processo FAPESP: 10/10051-3 - Avaliação do papel de óxido nítrico, de óleos essenciais e de sanitizantes na dispersão de biofilmes de Listeria monocytogenes em superfície abiótica
• Beneficiário: Fernanda Barbosa dos Reis Teixeira
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 11/07062-6 - Estudo da formação e dispersão de biofilmes por Listeria monocytogenes em superfície abiótica
• Beneficiário: Elaine Cristina Pereira de Martinis
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular