Electrochemical monitoring of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth and the formation of a biofilm in TSB media

Understanding and sensing microbial biofilm formation onto surfaces remains highly challenging for preventing corrosion and biofouling processes. For that purpose, we have thoroughly investigated biofilm formation onto glassy carbon electrode surfaces by using electrochemical technics. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied because of its remarkable ability to form biofilms in many environments. The modification of the electrode-solution interface during biofilm growth was monitored by in-situ measurement of the open-circuit potential and correlated with results obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy and bioassays. The sensing of the biofilm formation hence suggests a multi-steps mechanism, which may include pre-formation of an insulating layer onto the surface prior to the bacteria adhesion and biofilm formation.

Automated summary

We thoroughly investigated biofilm formation onto glassy carbon electrode surfaces using electrochemical techniques. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied due to its remarkable ability to form biofilms in various environments. In-situ measurement of the open-circuit potential was used to monitor the modification of the electrode-solution interface during biofilm growth, which was correlated with results obtained from other techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, and bioassays. The sensing of biofilm formation suggests a multi-step mechanism that may involve the pre-formation of an insulating layer onto the surface prior to bacteria adhesion and biofilm formation.