Monitoring of biofilm production by pseudomonas aeruginosa strains under different conditions of UVC irradiation and phage infection

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that commonly causes infection in immunocompromised individuals. This bacterium forms complex communities known as biofilms. Biofilms are also beneficial for bioremediation processes in terms of eliminating oil spills and sewage treatment; however, they can be harmful, particularly in the food industry sector and in water distribution systems. This paper focuses on the development of a concept that limits biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa strains. The results suggest that combined treatment with lytic phage and UVC radiation may provide an alternative control strategy. Indeed, the enhancement of physical disinfection step efficiency by the use of a biological agent instead of chemical one such as chlorine can be considered as a safety procedure to reduce and/or to prevent biofilm formation. © 2012 Springer-Verlag and the University of Milan.