Resistance properties and structural analysis of Bacillus subtilis biofilms and spores grown in simulated microgravity

Abstract

On Earth, the majority of bacterial life can be found in aggregates, known as biofilms. Encased within a selfbuild extracellular matrix, composed of polysaccharides, proteins and lipids, cells of various species live in close contact. The overall structure of biofilms offers extreme resistances towards temperature changes, shear forces, pH-changes and chemicals such as antibiotics. In the last decades, interest in biofilms has increased, due to their involvement in hard-healing or chronic wounds. In addition, biofilms are known to cause bio-corrosion and are able to clog industrial pipelines or spoil water and food.