Invitro Biofilm Production of ESCHERICHIA COLI 0157:H7 Strain

Microorganisms in general gets attracted towards inert surface in liquid medium and produce an adhesive substance, the glycocalyx which envelops growing community, the glycocalyx and bacterial inhabitants together is referred to as microbial biofilm. Biofilm cells differ significantly in their physiological properties and are resistant to antibiotics, antibodies, heat, surfactants and biocides when compared to planktonic (free) cells. Biofilm is an important strategy used by some microorganisms for survival. In the present study was carried out to optimize the invitro culture conditions required for biofilm formation of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 Tryptic soya broth (TSB) was employed as the growth medium for biofilm production using chitin flakes as inert surface. The 0.08 percent with 0.3 percent w/v chitin flakes is the optimum concentration of TSB required for maximum biofilm production by Escherichia coli 0157:H7. Biofilm cell population reached peak on day two, while planktonic cell population started decreasing after day one post inoculation. Decline of biofilm cells was gradual compared to planktonic cells.