AUTHOR=Liu Huiping , Ma Jingfang , Yang Pan , Geng Feng , Li Xueling , Lü Junhong , Wang Yadi 

TITLE=Comparative analysis of biofilm characterization of probiotic Escherichia coli

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1365562

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2024.1365562

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>Biofilms are thought to play a vital role in the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria. However, the structure and function of probiotic biofilms are poorly understood. In this work, biofilms of <italic>Escherichia coli</italic> (<italic>E. coli</italic>) Nissle 1917 were investigated and compared with those of pathogenic and opportunistic strains (<italic>E. coli</italic> MG1655, O157:H7) using crystal violet assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and FTIR microspectroscopy. The study revealed significant differences in the morphological structure, chemical composition, and spatial heterogeneity of the biofilm formed by the probiotic <italic>E. coli</italic> strain. In particular, the probiotic biofilm can secrete unique phospholipid components into the extracellular matrix. These findings provide new information on the morphology, architecture and chemical heterogeneity of probiotic biofilms. This information may help us to understand the beneficial effects of probiotics for various applications.</p>