Effects of smectite clay on biofilm formation by microorganisms

Abstract

We have investigated the role of smectite clay particles in biofilm formation by several different species of bacteria ( Pseudomonas syringae, Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis ). We observed that the presence of clay particles enhances the formation of biofilms and, after 24 h, the bacterial populations in the clay mixtures were greater than the respective populations in media without clay. Smectite-bearing clay slurries uniformly develop bacteria–clay aggregates with a substantial biofilm component within 24 h, while the exclusively bacterial suspensions do not develop any observable biofilm component. The biofilm–clay aggregates vary in size from tens of micrometers to several millimeters. Biofilm formation was evaluated by phase contrast microscopy and fluorescence staining. Biofilm promotion by smectite clays may indicate the importance of transport of bacteria by aerosol dust particles.