Moshe Shemesh, Roberto Kolter, Richard Losick
American Society for Microbiology, Journal of Bacteriology, December 2010
Introduction
The goal of this study was to examine how biofilm formation is stimulated by chlorine dioxide, a chemical that is typically very effective and fast-acting against bacteria. The study examined how chlorine dioxide works and how the biofilm acts as a protector of cells.
Results
The findings showed that chlorine dioxide accelerated biofilm formation and stimulated matrix gene transcription. The more matrix genes that are transcribed, the easier it is for the biofilm to grow and spread.
The study suggested that disruptions in the membrane caused by chlorine dioxide are recognized as a stress signal by KinC, an essential membrane-bound enzyme, prompting biofilm formation.
Conclusion
Sublethal doses of chlorine dioxide can increase the rate of biofilm formation for Bacillus subtilis and other bacteria. Chlorine dioxide acted with KinC, an essential membrane-bound enzyme, and activated the expression of the genes needed for matrix production. The study concluded that biofilm formation is a response to the stress invoked by chlorine dioxide.
