Center for Biofilm Engineering

Abstract:  

"Role of Electrostatic Interactions in Cohesion of Bacterial Biofilms" 

02-039   Significant decreases in the apparent viscosity of a bacterial biofilm suspension were measured following addition of sodium, potassium, magnesium, or calcium salts, whereas iron salts increased the viscosity. Electrostatic interactions contribute to biofilm cohesion and iron cations are potent crosslinkers of the biofilm matrix.

 
Chen, X. and P. S. Stewart, "Role of Electrostatic Interactions in Cohesion of Bacterial Biofilms," Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 59: 718-720, (2002).