Biofilms occur when the environmental conditions for a bacterium become suboptimal and hostile, leading the bacteria to utilize biofilm as a defensive strategy. In our work, we determined how different wavelengths of light impact biofilm development and how optical tweezers can be used to manipulate the spatial distribution of biofilm and assess its strength. In particular, we investigated the biofilm formation of Bacillus subtilis in a minimum salts glycerol glutamate (MSgg) medium. Understanding biofilm formation and control strategies is critical because of its effect on human health and the potential for novel biomaterials in future biodegradable technology.
In response to a hostile environment, some bacteria form a biofilm by secreting a glue-like matrix called extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) that functions as a physical barrier. In this work, we study the biofilm formation of Bacillus subtilis within minimal biofilm-promoting media (MSgg) and how optical trapping affects bacteria aggregation and biofilm formation. We demonstrate that a laser with a low absorbent wavelength can be used to manipulate biofilm and aggregate bacteria without causing significant photodamage. Whereas, even at low power, a laser with a high absorbent wavelength disrupts biofilm formation and causes significant photodamage to trapped bacteria.
Biofilm is produced when a bacteria’s environment becomes hostile and uses biofilm as protection from the environment. In this work, we investigate the biofilm formation of Bacillus subtilis bacteria within minimal biofilm-promoting media (MSgg media) and how optical trapping affects bacteria aggregation and biofilm development. In low-nutrition media, B. subtilis secretes a glue-like substance and ultimately forms a biofilm. We use an optical tweezers system to observe bacteria division, reorganization, aggregation, and clustering with and without optical trapping. The study of optically controlled biofilm formation enables us to create novel models for inducing and suppressing biofilm development with lasers.
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