ISSN:
1476-5535
Keywords:
S. epidermidis
;
biofilm
;
slime
;
lectin marker
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
Abstract A lectin-biotin assay was developed for use in the specific detection of slime produced byStaphylococcus epidermidis RP62A and M187sp11 grown in a chemically defined medium. Mature biofilm was formed on polyvinylchloride (PVC) disks using a combined chemostat-modified Robbins device (MRD) model system. Specimens fixedin situ were: 1) stained with ruthenium red; 2) reacted overnight with biotin-labeled lectins (WGA, succinyl-WGA, Con A, or APA) followed by treatment with gold-labeled extravidin; or 3) reacted with antibodies againstS. epidermidis RP62A capsular polysaccharide/adhesin (PS/A) using an immunogold procedure. WGA and succinyl-WGA (S-WGA), which specifically bindN-acetylglucosamine, were shown by TEM to react only with slime, both cell-associated and exocellular. In contrast, Con A, APA and anti-PS/A reacted with the bacterial cell surface but did not react with slime. These results indicate the usefulness of WGA lectin as a specific marker for detection of the presence and distribution of slime matrix material inS. epidermidis biofilm.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01569820
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