• Alakomi, Hanna-Leena
• Robertson, P.
• Rodenacker, K.
• Saarela, Maria
• Gorbushina, A. A.
• Krumbein, W. E.
• Mccullagh, C.

Abstract

The rock/atmosphere interface is inhabited by a complexmicrobial community including bacteria, algae and fungi.These communities are prominent biodeterioration agentsand remarkably influence the status of stone monumentsand buildings. Deeper comprehension of naturalbiodeterioration processes on stone surfaces has broughtabout a concept of complex microbial communities referredto as "subaerial biofilms". The practical implications ofbiofilm formation are that control strategies must bedevised both for testing the susceptibility of theorganisms within the biofilm and treating the establishedbiofilm. Model multi-species biofilms associated withmineral surfaces that are frequently refractory toconventional treatment have been used as test targets. Acombination of scanning microscopy with image analysiswas applied along with traditional cultivation methodsand fluorescent activity stains. Such a polyphasicapproach allowed a comprehensive quantitative evaluationof the biofilm status and development. Effectivetreatment strategies incorporating chemical and physicalagents have been demonstrated to prevent biofilm growthin vitro. Model biofilm growth on inorganic support wassignificantly reduced by a combination of PDT andbiocides. © 2006 Taylor & Francis Group. (13 refs.)

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• surface
• refractory
• susceptibility
• microscopy