Isolation and Detection of Biofilm-producing Bacteria from Tap Water

Abstract

Biofilm is a collection of usually more than species of microorganisms that are enclosed by a layer called an exopolysaccharide membrane. The whole biofilm act as a multicellular system. It is the dominant form of microbial life as compare to free-floating bacteria. Quorum sensing and some genetic control signals induce the production of biofilm. It is matured in five developmental stages. Biofilm causes some serious diseases in humans such as Nosocomial infections, Dental caries, musculoskeletal infections, and Cystic fibrosis pneumonia. The most prominent bacteria which produce a film in tape water are Staphylococcus Aureus, Burkholderia Cepacia, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, etc. biofilm-producing bacteria are more resistance to antibiotics as compare to free-living bacteria. The resistance due to the poor penetration of antibiotics into the biofilm. It is very difficult for any solutes and drugs to cross the exopolysaccharide layer of biofilm. Besides this outer layer, bacteria inside the biofilm can produce some vital enzymes and other metabolites through which antibiotics can be neutralized. Few factors such as oxygen concentration, nutrient level, temperature, and microbial community affect the formation of biofilm. Not only causing infection in humans but also disrupt the quality of water. Through releasing some toxic metabolites the colors and smell of water change. Biofilm also damages the surface of the substrate such as pipes and walls of the water container. Many developmental countries consume a very high amount of money on the treatment and removal of biofilm for drinking water to ensure the safety level of drinking water.