Characterization and isolation of biofilm components from rhizosphere microbes
Class
Article
Graduation Year
2018
College
College of Engineering
Department
Biological Engineering Department
Faculty Mentor
David Britt
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
The rhizosphere of a plant contains many microorganisms that can help or hinder plant health and production. Understanding the impact of microbial activity, especially beneficial microbes, in the rhizosphere is important for agricultural production. Due to the complexities of the rhizosphere the components of a bacterial biofilm can be difficult to study. A root mimetic system has been constructed as a method of growing bacterial biofilms in a laboratory environment. The system features a hollow fiber membrane which delivers nutrients through the lumen to bacteria growing on the outside of the fiber. This small bioreactor mimics bacteria growth on plant roots that gain nutrients through root exudation and allows for the assessment of the role of rhizosphere metabolites on bacteria colonization and biofilm formation. The root mimetic system allows for isolation of a bacteria biofilm under a controlled nutrient flow. This system allows for the control of factors without the complex interactions that can occur in the rhizosphere. The differences in bacterial biofilms compositions under varying nutrients and stress conditions are studied and characterized for their differences in resulting compounds. Bacteria exhibit different reactions when in the presence of different nutrient compounds, as well as stressors such as zinc or copper nanoparticles. The system allows for a unique method to study the interplay of nanoparticles and rhizosphere metabolites. The root mimetic system allows for a better understanding of the role bacteria plays in plant health and the interactions that can occur between plant and bacteria.
Location
North Atrium
Start Date
4-13-2017 1:30 PM
End Date
4-13-2017 2:45 PM
Characterization and isolation of biofilm components from rhizosphere microbes
North Atrium
The rhizosphere of a plant contains many microorganisms that can help or hinder plant health and production. Understanding the impact of microbial activity, especially beneficial microbes, in the rhizosphere is important for agricultural production. Due to the complexities of the rhizosphere the components of a bacterial biofilm can be difficult to study. A root mimetic system has been constructed as a method of growing bacterial biofilms in a laboratory environment. The system features a hollow fiber membrane which delivers nutrients through the lumen to bacteria growing on the outside of the fiber. This small bioreactor mimics bacteria growth on plant roots that gain nutrients through root exudation and allows for the assessment of the role of rhizosphere metabolites on bacteria colonization and biofilm formation. The root mimetic system allows for isolation of a bacteria biofilm under a controlled nutrient flow. This system allows for the control of factors without the complex interactions that can occur in the rhizosphere. The differences in bacterial biofilms compositions under varying nutrients and stress conditions are studied and characterized for their differences in resulting compounds. Bacteria exhibit different reactions when in the presence of different nutrient compounds, as well as stressors such as zinc or copper nanoparticles. The system allows for a unique method to study the interplay of nanoparticles and rhizosphere metabolites. The root mimetic system allows for a better understanding of the role bacteria plays in plant health and the interactions that can occur between plant and bacteria.