TY - JOUR A1 - Schwibbert, Karin A1 - de Eulate Pérez, Elisa García A1 - Wen, Keqing A1 - Voss, Heike A1 - Thiele, Dorothea A1 - Richter, Anja M. A1 - Bonse, Jörn T1 - Escherichia coli repellence via laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on titanium: Critical role of biofilm-associated gene expression N2 - The inconsistency in the observed bacteria-repellent effects of laser-induced surface textures remains a subject of scientific debates. With E. coli TG1 as test strain, we performed biofilm formation assays on ultrashort pulse laser textured titanium. Samples covered with low spatial frequency LIPSS (LSFL) of periods around 750 nm or with high spatial frequency LIPSS (HSFL) featuring smaller periods around 100 nm were processed on polished samples. While LSFL significantly reduce the number of adhering bacteria compared to the polished reference, HSFL do not. Simultaneously, we concentrate our study on bacterial strategies employed for biofilm formation, that is the transcription of the biofilm-associated genes csgB, involved in primary adhesion to a surface, and wza, participating in biofilm maturation. Promoter regions of these genes were cloned into a promotor probe plasmid with the green fluorescent protein GFP+ as reporter and transferred into the test strain. As indicated by the fluorescence intensity of the reporter protein, among the bacteria colonizing LSFL-covered areas, a markedly higher proportion of cells transcribing csgB or wza were detected, compared to the bacterial populations colonizing the polished or HSFL-covered areas. To our knowledge, this is the first study indicating that the antifouling effect of LSFL topographies can be counteracted when bacteria activate biofilm-associated genes. KW - Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) KW - Titanium KW - Biofilm KW - Antifouling KW - Gene expression KW - Fluorescence microscopy PY - 2026 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-655572 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2026.166363 SN - 0169-4332 VL - 730 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-65557 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Oberbeckmann, Sonja T1 - The microplastic microbiome – an example for the intersection of biology and material research N2 - Biofilms live on the interface between human-made materials and the environment. Using aquatic plastics as an example, we explore their composition, their interactions with the plastic substrate, and their potentially useful functional roles. The presentation will further discuss the importance of considering plastic-associated pollutants in the investigation of such biofilms. T2 - Microbiological Colloquium ICBM CY - Oldenburg, Germany DA - 10.07.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Microbiome KW - Biofilm PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63836 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - von Werder, Julia T1 - Biofilme auf Gebäuden - Biorezeptivität statt Biofilme N2 - Der Vortrag erläutert das Konzept der Gebäudebegrünung mit Biofilmen. Beton wird dabei als künstliches Gestein betrachtet, dessen Besiedelbarkeit durch Mikroorganismen gezielt verbessert werden soll. Ein dreistufiges Testsystem – Laborversuche, simulierte Bewitterung und Freilandtests – analysiert, wie physikalische und chemische Substrateigenschaften das Wachstum beeinflussen. Ein definierter Algen‑Pilz‑Modellbiofilm dient zur reproduzierbaren Bewertung der Besiedlung, erfasst über PAM‑Fluorometrie. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Rauheit, Textur und Porosität entscheidend für Anhaftung, Feuchteretention und Biofilmwachstum sind. Zudem wird deutlich, dass die Organismen hohe Stresstoleranz benötigen, um variierende Umweltbedingungen an realen Fassaden zu überstehen. Insgesamt belegt das Projekt das Potenzial biorezeptiver Betone als low‑tech‑Fassadenbegrünung mit ökologischem Mehrwert. T2 - Workshop Ökologische Campusentwicklung: Wasser und Vegetationsmanagement in Helmholtz-Zentren CY - Potsdam, Germany DA - 03.04.2025 KW - Biofilm KW - Fassade KW - Biorezeptivität KW - Low-tech Begrünung KW - Modellbiofilm PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-65448 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Stohl, Leonie A1 - Tonon, Chiara A1 - Cook, Jake A1 - Gorbushina, Anna A1 - Dehn, Frank A1 - von Werder, Julia T1 - Understanding bioreceptivity of concrete: realistic and accelerated weathering experiments with model subaerial biofilms N2 - Vertical greening systems are a promising solution to the increasing demand for urban green spaces, improving environmental quality and addressing biodiversity loss. This study facilitates the development microbially greened algal biofilm facades, which offer a low maintenance vertical green space. The study focuses on concrete as a widely used building material and explores how physical surface characteristics impact its bioreceptive properties. Concrete samples, produced from the same mix but differing in surface structure, were subjected to a laboratory weathering experiment to assess their bioreceptivity. A novel inoculation method was employed, involving a single initial inoculation with either alga ( Jaagichlorella sp.) alone, or a model biofilm consisting of a combination of the alga ( Jaagichlorella sp.) with a fungus ( Knufia petricola). The samples underwent four months of weathering in a dynamic laboratory setup irrigated with deionized water to observe subaerial biofilm attachment and growth. The formation of subaerial biofilms was monitored with high resolution surface imaging, colorimetric measurements and Imaging Pulse Amplitude Modulated Fluorometry (Imaging PAM-F), with Imaging PAM-F proving the most effective. Statistical analysis revealed that by impacting surface pH value and water retention capability, surface structures significantly influence microbial growth and that the concrete’s bioreceptivity can be influenced through thoughtful design of the materials surface. The inoculation of algae combined with a fungus facilitated the formation of a stable subaerial biofilm, enabling algae to colonize a surface structure that it could not colonize alone. This finding highlights the importance of modelling synergistic interactions present in natural biofilms. KW - Bioreceptivity KW - Concrete KW - Biofilm PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-653105 DO - https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-025-02864-x SN - 1359-5997 VL - 59 IS - 2 SP - 1 EP - 18 PB - Springer Science and Business Media LLC AN - OPUS4-65310 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - von Werder, Julia T1 - Bioreceptive Building Facades: Codesigning with nature N2 - Building envelopes represent a key interface between solid substrates, the biosphere, and the atmosphere, and consequently serve as natural habitats for subaerial biofilms. This study investigates strategies to enhance the bioreceptivity of concrete cladding to support microalgae‑rich biofilms as a sustainable alternative to biocide‑dependent facade systems. Using a controlled dual‑species biofilm model and assessing algal vitality via PAM fluorometry, we examined how concrete composition and surface properties influence colonization dynamics. The results demonstrate that substrate pH and carbonation state are primary determinants of both biofilm establishment and organismal vitality, whereas nutrient supplementation exerts comparatively minor effects. Adhesion assays indicate that moderate mechanical stress can increase biofilm robustness, and laboratory rain simulations show that surface texture and near‑surface porosity promote water retention and enhance biofilm attachment. A synergistic interaction between the algal and fungal components was observed under specific stress conditions, offering a potential explanation for the reduced performance of biofilms when transitioning from ideal laboratory settings to outdoor environments. Overall, the findings highlight that the development of stable, photosynthetically active biofilm facades requires careful optimization of organism growth, physiological performance, and long‑term adhesion to the substrate. T2 - SASBE 2025: Smart and Sustainable Built Environment CY - Lille, France DA - 03.11.2025 KW - Concrete KW - Bioreceptivity KW - Laboratory test KW - Biofilm KW - Fluorometry PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-65446 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - von Werder, Julia T1 - Greening Concrete with biofilms: Codesigning with nature N2 - uilding envelopes act as artificial lithic surfaces and natural substrates for subaerial biofilms, whose establishment depends on surface bioreceptivity. This study investigates how concrete cladding can be engineered to support microalgae‑dominated biofilms. A multi‑stage experimental framework—ranging from petri‑dish cultivation and adhesion testing to laboratory weathering simulations and outdoor exposure—was applied. A reproducible dual alga–fungus model biofilm enabled controlled assessment, with algal vitality quantified using PAM fluorometry. Results identify pH and carbonation as primary determinants of successful colonization, while nutrient addition has only minor influence. Adhesion tests show that moderate stress can enhance resilience to hydrodynamic forces. Rain‑simulation experiments highlight the importance of surface texture and near‑surface porosity for water retention, microbial attachment, and sustained growth. A synergistic interaction between algae and fungi under stress conditions may explain the poor outdoor performance of biofilms cultivated under ideal laboratory conditions. Overall, optimizing photosynthetic efficiency, organismal growth, and adhesion strength is essential for developing durable algal biofilm‑based façade systems. T2 - 4th International Conference of Sustainable Building Materials CY - Eindhoven, The Netherlands DA - 10.08.2025 KW - Concrete KW - Bioreceptivity KW - Laboratory test KW - Biofilm KW - Fluorometry PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-65447 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Bonse, Jörn T1 - Bacterial adhesion on ultrashort pulse laser processed surfaces ― more than size matters! N2 - Bacterial biofilms are aggregates of bacterial cells, often attached to a surface and enclosed by a self-produced extracellular matrix which confers increased stress tolerance and resistance to cleaning. Biofilm formation leads to biofouling which gives rise to high costs in numerous technical settings due to biocorrosion and biodegradation. However, biofilms can also be attractive for industrial settings such as wastewater treatment systems or for soil bioremediation processes. Hence, the control of bacterial adhesion to a surface is of major concern. Surface topography strongly influences bacterial adhesion. Therefore, one promising way to achieve bacteria-guiding surfaces lies in the contactless and aseptic large-area laser processing of technical surfaces. We used short and ultrashort pulsed laser systems to generate different surface textures, mainly high-spatial-frequency and low-spatial-frequency laser-induced periodic surface structures, LIPSS (HFSL and LFSL), on Ti, Ti-alloy, steel, and polymers (PET and PE). Pristine (polished) and laser processed samples were subjected to bacterial adhesion experiments with two different Escherichia coli strains and Staphylococcus aureus as test organisms. The bacterial strains differed in their cell wall structure (grampositive vs. gramnegative strains), in size, shape, the occurrence of cell appendages, and in their biofilm forming capabilities. Adhesion patterns were analyzed microscopically and compared regarding the respective test strain and surface topography. Our results revealed that adhesion behavior strongly depends not only on the material’s topography and chemistry, but also on the specific bacterial strain, the presence of cell appendages, and ambient growth conditions. T2 - 13th International Conference on Photoexcited Processes and Applications, ICPEPA-13 CY - Lecce, Italy DA - 14.09.2025 KW - Biofilm KW - Bacterial adhesion KW - Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) KW - Ultrashort laser pulses PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64166 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Bonse, Jörn T1 - Bacterial adhesion on ultrashort pulse laser processed surfaces ― more than size matters! N2 - Bacterial biofilms are aggregates of bacterial cells, often attached to a surface, and enclosed by a self-produced extracellular matrix which confers increased stress tolerance and resistance to cleaning. Biofilm formation leads to biofouling which gives rise to high costs in numerous technical settings due to biocorrosion and biodegradation. However, biofilms can also be attractive for industrial settings such as wastewater treatment systems or for soil bioremediation processes. Hence, the control of bacterial adhesion to a surface is of major concern. Surface topography strongly influences bacterial adhesion. Therefore, one promising way to achieve bacteria-guiding surfaces lies in the contactless and aseptic large-area laser processing of technical surfaces. We used short and ultrashort pulsed laser systems to generate different surface textures, mainly high-spatial-frequency and low-spatial-frequency laser-induced periodic surface structures, LIPSS (HFSL and LFSL), on Ti, Ti-alloy, steel, and polymers (PET and PE). Pristine (polished) and laser processed samples were subjected to bacterial adhesion experiments with two different Escherichia coli strains and Staphylococcus aureus as test organisms. The bacterial strains differed in their cell wall structure (grampositive vs. gramnegative strains), in size, shape, the occurrence of cell appendages, and in their biofilm forming capabilities. Adhesion patterns were analyzed microscopically and compared regarding the respective test strain and surface topography. Our results revealed that adhesion behavior strongly depends not only on the material’s topography and chemistry, but also on the specific bacterial strain, the presence of cell appendages, and ambient growth conditions. T2 - 13th International LIPSS Workshop CY - Enschede, Netherlands DA - 29.10.2025 KW - Bacterial adhesion KW - Biofilm KW - Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) KW - Ultrashort laser pulses PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64632 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Scales, B. S. A1 - Hasenrück, C. A1 - Moldaenke, L. A1 - Hassa, J. A1 - Rückert-Reed, C. A1 - Rummel, C. A1 - Völkner, C. A1 - Rynek, R. A1 - Busche, T. A1 - Kalinowski, J. A1 - Jahnke, A. A1 - Schmitt-Jansen, M. A1 - Wendt-Potthoff, K. A1 - Oberbeckmann, Sonja T1 - Hunting for pigments in bacterial settlers of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch N2 - The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a significant collection of plastic introduced by human activities, provides an ideal environment to study bacterial lifestyles on plastic substrates. We proposed that bacteria colonizing the floating plastic debris would develop strategies to deal with the ultravioletexposed substrate, such as the production of antioxidant pigments. We observed a variety of pigmentation in 67 strains that were directly cultivated from plastic pieces sampled from the Garbage Patch. The genomic analysis of four representative strains, each distinct in taxonomy, revealed multiple pathways for carotenoid production. These pathways include those that produce less common carotenoids and a cluster of photosynthetic genes. This cluster appears to originate from a potentially new species of the Rhodobacteraceae family. This represents the first report of an aerobic anoxygenic photoheterotrophic bacterium from plastic biofilms. Spectral analysis showed that the bacteria actively produce carotenoids, such as betacarotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, and bacteriochlorophyll a. Furthermore, we discovered that the genetic ability to synthesize carotenoids is more common in plastic biofilms than in the surrounding water communities. Our findings suggest that plastic biofilms could be an overlooked source of bacteria-produced carotenoids, including rare forms. It also suggests that photoreactive molecules might play a crucial role in bacterial biofilm communities in surface water. KW - Microplastics KW - Biofilm KW - Pigment KW - Microorganisms PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-605725 DO - https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.16639 SN - 1462-2912 VL - 26 IS - 6 SP - e16639 PB - John Wiley & Sons Ltd. AN - OPUS4-60572 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Oberbeckmann, Sonja T1 - The Microplastic Microbiome N2 - Microplastics represent man-made and newly emerging surfaces in our ecosystems, where they interact with microorganisms. The ecosystem in focus of this presentation will be the aquatic environment. It will be portrayed, which microorganisms use microplastics as a habitat, how environmental factors shape this colonization, and why the biodegradation of plastics in the ocean is an overall unlikely process. We will also discuss whether potentially pathogenic microorganisms use microplastics as a raft. Finally, possible adaptation mechanisms of plastic-colonizing microorganisms will be presented, such as the production of photoreactive molecules. The microplastic microbiome has a large potential to harbor so far unknown species with curious traits, representing an exciting research topic for the future. T2 - Geomicrobiological and Geochemical Colloquium, GFZ CY - Potsdam, Germany DA - 20.02.2024 KW - Microplastics KW - Microbiome KW - Biofilm PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60203 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Fuentes, Elsa A1 - Prieto, Beatriz T1 - Effect of climate change on phototrophic biofilms colonizing granitic rocks and their biodeteriogenic activity. N2 - Material cultural heritage from NW of the Iberian Peninsula is linked to the use or presence of granite, whether in historical buildings, sculptures, archaeological sites or any other artistic manifestation. This resistant material has the ideal physical characteristics that favor its longevity, but, like any material exposed to the environment, it is susceptible to deterioration. To this respect, environmental changes due to climate change and global change may modify biological colonization-substrate interactions. The main objective of the present research was to analyse the effects of Climate Change, more specifically changes in water availability, increased temperature, increased CO2 concentrations and changes in UV-B radiation patterns, on the survival and biodeteriogenic activity of phototrophic biofilms on granite heritage and the consequences for the built heritage. Both field and laboratory work were carried out. Field studies were conducted on three rural churches to characterise the current biological colonization. A higher proportion of algae than cyanobacteria was identified, with the genera Trentepohlia and Desmococcus standing out among the former. The most common current fungi are lichenised fungi, but black fungal genera such as Catenulostroma, Rhinocladiella and Knufia were also identified. Bacterial genera related to the production of sphinganes, EPS, carotenoids and some causing the so-called pink discolouration are also present. The effect of climate change on the growth and physiological state of the organisms was analysed in the laboratory. For this purpose, mixed biofilms were developed in the laboratory and exposed to changing conditions of temperature, water availability, CO2 and UV-B. A reduction in growth was observed with increasing water restriction, although in the initial colonization process, rock bioreceptivity was shown to be a more important aspect in favoring anchorage and retention of organisms. Temperature was shown to have a growth-enhancing effect when water availability was low, whereas an increase in CO2 only resulted in increased growth under conditions of high-water availability. Increased UV-B produced a reduction in growth, especially at the highest dose (equivalent to the current dose of a west-facing wall in southern Portugal, which is considered as high), while little difference in the physiological state of the organisms was observed at the current doses in Galicia (considered as medium) and southern Ireland (considered as low). Clear changes in microbial composition were observed, with a trend towards increased or greater resistance of cyanobacteria to higher temperature, lower water availability and higher UV-B doses. In addition, all these changes in development, physiological and microbial composition had an effect on the predominant pigments, tending towards more yellowish-brownish colourations, and on the ability of the organisms to generate biodeterioration by affecting ion concentrations on water solutions by enhancing their consumption or adhesion which lead to granite deterioration. Future work should take into account the combination of a greater number of climatic parameters simultaneously and also the possible resistances associated with the nature of the SAB community studied. T2 - 19th International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Symposium CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 09.09.2024 KW - Biofilm KW - Granite KW - Climate change KW - Biodeterioration KW - Cultural heritage PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-62271 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Taghavi Kalajahi, Sara A1 - Misra, Archismita A1 - Koerdt, Andrea T1 - Nanotechnology to mitigate microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) N2 - Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a crucial issue for industry and infrastructure. Biofilms are known to form on different kinds of surfaces such as metal, concrete, and medical equipment. However, in some cases the effect of microorganisms on the material can be negative for the consistency and integrity of the material. Thus, to overcome the issues raised by MIC on a system, different physical, chemical, and biological strategies have been considered; all having their own advantages, limitations, and sometimes even unwanted disadvantages. Among all the methods, biocide treatments and antifouling coatings are more common for controlling MIC, though they face some challenges. They lack specificity for MIC microorganisms, leading to cross-resistance and requiring higher concentrations. Moreover, they pose environmental risks and harm non-target organisms. Hence, the demand for eco-friendly, long-term solutions is increasing as regulations tighten. Recently, attentions have been directed to the application of nanomaterials to mitigate or control MIC due to their significant antimicrobial efficiency and their potential for lower environmental risk compared to the conventional biocides or coatings. Use of nanomaterials to inhibit MIC is very new and there is a lack of literature review on this topic. To address this issue, we present a review of the nanomaterials examined as a biocide or in a form of a coating on a surface to mitigate MIC. This review will help consolidate the existing knowledge and research on the use of nanomaterials for MIC mitigation. It will further contribute to a better understanding of the potential applications and challenges associated with using nanomaterials for MIC prevention and control. KW - Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) KW - Biofilm KW - Biofouling KW - Nanobiocide KW - Nanocoating PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-599335 DO - https://doi.org/10.3389/fnano.2024.1340352 SN - 2673-3013 VL - 6 SP - 1 EP - 25 PB - Frontiers Media CY - Lausanne AN - OPUS4-59933 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Fuentes, Elsa A1 - Prieto, Beatriz A1 - Gorbushina, Anna T1 - Mixed model biofilm: interactions between algae, fungi and cyanobacteria and their effects on granite biodeterioration N2 - Granite, despite being one of the most widely used rocks for building material cultural heritage, is also one of the least studied. Previous works have shown that environmental parameters modulated by climate change will lead to changes in the microbial composition of biofilms grown on stone, but also to changes in the production of EPS, in the composition of pigments and, as a consequence, in the biodeterioration processes that this rock undergoes (Fuentes, 2023). Considering that the colonisation process is highly dynamic, small changes in climatic conditions can lead to the formation of different types of biofilms and diverse interactions between species. Knowing the contribution of the different organisms to the deterioration process is important both to anticipate the consequences that climate change will have on the deterioration of the granite, but also when addressing the processes of recolonization after cleaning, to ensure an improvement of the present situation. So, in order to continue my line of research on granite biodeterioration, the aim of this new project is to study the contribution of each type of organism (green algae, cyanobacteria and fungi) to the process of granite deterioration as well as the specific effect on each mineral, in addition to its role in the resilience and response of biofilms to environmental changes. With this main objective, the effect of the type of substrate on the composition of a model mixed biofilm formed by the fungus Knufia petricola, the algae Jaagichlorella sp. and the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. will be studied. The results obtained on granite will be compared with those obtained with other lithic types such as marble or limestone. Furthermore, it will be observed if the different ratios between organisms lead to changes in the capacity of these organisms to generate biodeterioration and to buffer climatic changes. Finally, the susceptibility of each mineral that makes up the granite - quartz, feldspars, micas - to biodeterioration mediated by each type of organism will be analysed. To address these questions, on the one hand, the response of the mixed biofilms as a whole will be evaluated by means of confocal microscopy, PAM, as well as the quantification of pigments and EPS, and on the other hand, the effect of these organisms on the deterioration of the substrates, through the use of SEM and TEM, which will allow the assessment of both the changes in porosity and the appearance of deterioration in the surface layers of the rock. This research will deepen the knowledge of the processes of granite deterioration, which have been limitedly studied in relation to microorganisms; but also aims to provide the scientific community with a model mixed biofilm to increase the reproducibility between experiments, one of the main limitations of this field of study. T2 - 19th International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Symposium CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 09.09.2024 KW - Biofilm KW - Stone KW - Algae KW - Fungi KW - Cyanobacteria KW - Cultural heritage PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-62272 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Wen, Keqing T1 - In situ analysis of biofilm formation under different flow regimes with the help of a microfluidic platform N2 - Bacteria often live in habitats characterized by fluid flow, which is ubiquitous in a diverse range of environments such as surface waters, wastewater treatment facilities, pipelines, and medical implants. Bacterial adhesion on surfaces may lead to biocorrosion and biodegradation. In comparison to traditional static and macro flow chamber assays for biofilm formation studies, microfluidic chips allow in situ monitoring of biofilm formation and biofilm related gene expression under various flow regimes. We developed a complete microfluidic platform to investigate biofilms under precisely controlled flow conditions. This platform central unit is a single-inlet microfluidic flow cell with a 5 mm wide chamber tested and analyzed by imaging tracking velocimetry (PIV) to achieve ultra-homogenous flow in the central area of the chamber. Additionally, dedicated microstructures were introduced to the chamber’s center to favor and localize bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation pattern. The flows and vortices induced by the structure were analyzed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and related to shape and dimension of the biofilm formed by Escherichia coli TG1. The major proteinaceous component of E. coli biofilms are extracellular amyloid fibers (curli) consisting of major (CsgA) and minor (CsgB) subunits. We used the promotor probe plasmid pRU1701 to monitor csgB-promotor activity under different flow regimes in complex and minimal medium. For comparison, csgB promotor activity in a batch liquid culture and curli production on LB and M9 agar plates were assessed. The microfluidic platform represents a powerful and versatile tool for studying biofilm in flow. The setup shows great potential for the yet not too much explored in flow monitoring of biofilm formation and related gene expression under hydrodynamic stresses. T2 - International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Symposium (IBBS) 19 CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 09.09.2024 KW - Microfluidics KW - Biofilm KW - Escherichia coli KW - Curli PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61911 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Jaut, Valerie T1 - Antibiotic tolerance of biofilms emerging from multicellular effects of antibiotic efflux N2 - Biofilms are multicellular assemblies of bacteria living in a self-produced extracellular matrix. One characteristic of biofilms is that they are difficult to kill. Different mechanisms, like the development of persister cells or efflux pumps which pump some antimicrobials out of the cell, make them tolerant. Our central hypothesis is that efflux pump activity causes emergent antimicrobial tolerance of multicellular bacterial populations, through the interplay of efflux-mediated spatial interactions and efflux-linked persistence. To verify the hypothesis, we combine computational modelling with information gained from 3 types of multicellular assemblies. We are currently generating strains that differ in their levels of efflux activity, mixes are then cultivated together in the 3 model systems. In colonies the link between structure and spatial patterns of gene expression will be characterized. Using a microfluidic device, the interactions range of efflux as a response to different antimicrobials will be determined. In a flow chamber a 3D biofilm will be generated, to investigate the biofilm development over time and persister cell formation. All results will be compared with model predictions. T2 - EuroBioFilms2024 CY - Copenhagen, Denmark DA - 25.06.2024 KW - Antibiotic KW - Biofilm KW - Tolerance KW - Efflux PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61277 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Oberbeckmann, Sonja T1 - On the intersection of microbiome and material research: what can be achieved? N2 - Any surface in the environment acts as hotspot for microbial attachment and activity. These biofilms represent the interface between humans and the environment. While in the past biofilms were often seen as disturbance, we now start to understand the enormous potential of beneficial biofilms. They can be used in a broad range of applications and are sources for new microorganisms and traits. After all, biofilms represent a great example for a collaborative lifestyle. T2 - Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival, Hereon CY - Teltow, Germany DA - 14.03.2024 KW - Biofilm KW - Microbiome KW - Sustainability KW - Biosphere KW - Microplastics PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60202 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - von Werder, Julia T1 - Gebäudebegrünung mit Biofilmen: Herausforderungen und Chancen N2 - Der Vortrag stellt die Ergebnisse der Forschungsarbeiten zur Biorezeptivität von Betonfassaden sowie der gezielten Applikation von Algen dominierten Biofilmen auf Betonfassaden vor. Insbesondere werden die Anforderungen an eine repräsentative Prüfmethode erläutert. T2 - BuGG-Tag der Forschung und Lehre Gebäudegrün 2024 CY - Leipzig, Germany DA - 26.09.2024 KW - Begrünung KW - Biorezeptivität KW - Beton KW - Biofilm PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-62221 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Jaut, Valerie T1 - Antibiotic tolerance of biofilms emerging from multicellular effects of antibiotic efflux N2 - Biofilms are multicellular assemblies of bacteria living in a self-produced extracellular matrix. One characteristic of biofilms is that they are difficult to kill. Different mechanisms, like the development of persister cells or efflux pumps which pump some antimicrobials out of the cell, make them tolerant. Our central hypothesis is that efflux pump activity causes emergent antimicrobial tolerance of multicellular bacterial populations, through the interplay of efflux-mediated spatial interactions and efflux-linked persistence. To verify the hypothesis, we combine computational modelling with information gained from 3 types of multicellular assemblies. We are currently generating strains that differ in their levels of efflux activity, mixes are then cultivated together in the 3 model systems. In colonies the link between structure and spatial patterns of gene expression will be characterized. Using a microfluidic device, the interactions range of efflux as a response to different antimicrobials will be determined. In a flow chamber a 3D biofilm will be generated, to investigate the biofilm development over time and persister cell formation. All results will be compared with model predictions. T2 - UNA Workshop CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 29.01.2024 KW - Antibiotic KW - Biofilm KW - Tolerance KW - Efflux PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61280 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - von Werder, Julia T1 - Living Concrete Walls: Engineering Bioreceptivity and Biofilms N2 - Building envelopes are a natural habitat of subaerial biofilms and can be more or less prone to be colonized (i.e. to be bioreceptive). Focusing on the added value of biofilms on manmade substrates represents new aesthetic frontiers and reduces the use of biocides. Moreover, the metabolic processes of photosynthetic biofilms can positively influence human health and life quality in densely populated cities by converting or absorbing pollutants. In the presented research the bioreceptivity of concrete claddings for building facades is engineered to sustain either natural or artificial establishment of microalgae-dominated biofilms. To be able to differentiate between the intrinsic material properties and the climatic boundary conditions, the experimental design in the first step comprised different analyses with model mono- and multi-species biofilms in sterile conditions and a high control of the environmental parameters. Growth and vitality of the algal component of the biofilms has been assessed with Pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometry. T2 - 78th RILEM Annual Week & RILEM International Conference on Sustainable Materials & Structures: Meeting the major challenges of the 21st century - SMS 2024 CY - Toulouse, France DA - 25.08.2024 KW - Bioreceptivity KW - Biofilm KW - Weathering KW - Concrete KW - PAM fluorometry KW - Carbonation PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-62224 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kromer, C. A1 - Schwibbert, Karin A1 - Radunz, S. A1 - Thiele, Dorothea A1 - Laux, P. A1 - Luch, A. A1 - Tschiche, H.R. T1 - ROS generating BODIPY loaded nanoparticles for photodynamic eradication of biofilms N2 - Bacterial biofilms can pose a serious health risk to humans and are less susceptible to antibiotics and disinfection than planktonic bacteria. Here, a novel method for biofilm eradication based on antimicrobial photodynamic therapy utilizing a nanoparticle in conjunction with a BODIPY derivative as photosensitizer was developed. Reactive oxygen species are generated upon illumination with visible light and lead to a strong, controllable and persistent eradication of both planktonic bacteria and biofilms. One of the biggest challenges in biofilm eradication is the penetration of the antimicrobial agent into the biofilm and its matrix. A biocompatible hydrophilic nanoparticle was utilized as a delivery system for the hydrophobic BODIPY dye and enabled its accumulation within the biofilm. This key feature of delivering the antimicrobial agent to the site of action where it is activated resulted in effective eradication of all tested biofilms. Here, 3 bacterial species that commonly form clinically relevant pathogenic biofilms were selected: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. The development of this antimicrobial photodynamic therapy tool for biofilm eradication takes a promising step towards new methods for the much needed treatment of pathogenic biofilms. KW - Biofilm KW - Antimicrobials KW - Photodynamic therapy KW - BODIPY PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-587588 DO - https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1274715 SN - 1664-302X VL - 14 SP - 1 EP - 15 AN - OPUS4-58758 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -