In situ analysis of Bacillus licheniformis biofilms: amyloid-like polymers and eDNA are involved in the adherence and aggregation of the extracellular matrix.

AIMS: This study attempts to determine which of the exopolymeric substances are involved in the adherence and aggregation of a Bacillus licheniformis biofilm. METHODS AND RESULTS: The involvement of extracellular proteins and eDNA were particularly investigated using DNase and proteinase K treatment. The permeability of the biofilms increased fivefold after DNase I treatment. The quantification of the matrix components showed that, irrespective to the enzyme tested, eDNA and amyloid-like polymers were removed simultaneously. Size-exclusion chromatography analyses supported these observations and revealed the presence of associated nucleic acid and protein complexes in the biofilm lysates. These data suggest that some extracellular DNA and amyloid-like proteins were closely interlaced within the matrix. Finally, confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging gave supplementary clues about the 3D organization of the biofilms, confirming that eDNA and exoproteins were essentially layered under and around the bacterial cells, whereas the amyloid-like fractions were homogeneously distributed within the matrix. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that some DNA-amyloid complexes play a key role in the modulation of the mechanical resistance of B. licheniformis biofilms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The study highlights the need to consider the whole structure of biofilms and to target the interactions between matrix components. A better understanding of B. licheniformis biofilm physiology and the structural organization of the matrix will strengthen strategies of biofilm control.

Quantification of biofilm exopolysaccharides using an in situ assay with periodic acid-Schiff reagent.

A novel approach to the quantification of extracellular polysaccharides in miniaturized biofilms presenting a wide variety of extracellular matrices was developed. The assay used the periodic acid-Schiff reagent and was first calibrated on dextran and alginate solutions. Then it was implemented on 24-h and 48-h biofilms from three strains known to produce different exopolymeric substances (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus licheniformis, Weissella confusa). The assay allowed quantification of the total exopolysaccharides, taking into account possible interferences due to cells or other main expolymers of the matrix (eDNA, proteins).