Article Abstract:
The effect of serial passages on microbial adhesion was examined in 23 isolates of lactobacilli. Contact angle measurements showed that the hydrophobicities of the isolates varied, although hexadecane contact angles were zero for all strains. Only strains with water contact angles above 60 degrees were able to adhere to hexadecane. Serial passaging induced a loss in hydrophobicity for some isolates, although other isolates showed heterogeneous hydrophobic properties. Microbial adhesion to hexadecane was concluded to be a function of hydrophobicity rather than affinity to hexadecane.
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Article Abstract:
Biosurfactants from Lactobacillus fermentum B54 and L. acidophilus RC14 reduce the initial adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis to glass by around 70% and by 77% after 4 hours. Dialysis and freeze drying have no effect on the inhibitory action of the biosurfactants. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that the freeze-dried biosurfactants from L. acidophilus and L. fermentum are rich in proteins. The biosurfactants from L. casei subsp. rhamnosus 36 and ATCC 7469 are, however, rich in polysaccharide and phosphate.
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Article Abstract:
A method by which bacterial biofilms can be stimulated to detach from surgical stainless steel by use of a small electric current to disconnect the link between the biofilm and the conducting substratum is discussed. This method may have an application in the medical field, and can be used in combination with conventional pin site to prevent or cure infections.
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