(LR-024) Association of Microbial Growth Rate and Biofilm Formation

Introduction: The main purpose of this research project was to study microbial growth rate and biofilm formation of various clinical wound pathogens. The second objective was to categorize each strain as a strong, moderate, weak or non-adherent biofilm producer. The third objective was to determine if there is a correlation between bacterial growth rate and biofilm development.

Methods: Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, and Pseudomonas were grown in Tryptic Soy Broth for 24-hour and stained with crystal violet and safranin. 77 Staphylococcus, 43 Acinetobacter, 13 Enterobacter and 23 Pseudomonas strains were tested for biofilm production (a total of 156 strains) in a robust 96-well plate format.

Results: Our testing results demonstrated 33 Staphylococcus, 1 Acinetobacter, 2 Pseudomonas, and 6 Enterobacter strains were weak biofilm producers. 27 Staphylococcus, 14 Acinetobacter, 8 Pseudomonas, and 3 Enterobacter strains were moderate biofilm producers. 17 Staphylococcus, 28 Acinetobacter, 12 Pseudomonas, and 4 Enterobacter strains were strong biofilm producers. One Pseudomonas strain did not produce any biofilm.

Discussion: : We developed a 96-well microtiter plate testing format that can accurately measure the biofilm development of wound pathogens. This testing approach allows simultaneous testing of multiple strains of the wound pathogens and will be a valuable tool for scientists conducting biofilm research.