BslA(YuaB) forms a hydrophobic layer on the surface of Bacillus subtilis biofilms

Summary Biofilms are surface‐associated bacterial aggregates, in which bacteria are enveloped by polymeric substances known as the biofilm matrix. Bacillus subtilis biofilms display persistent resistance to liquid wetting and gas penetration, which probably explains the broad‐spectrum resistance of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular microbiology 2012-07, Vol.85 (1), p.51-66
Main Authors: Kobayashi, Kazuo, Iwano, Megumi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antimicrobial agents
Bacillus subtilis
Bacillus subtilis - chemistry
Bacillus subtilis - physiology
Bacterial Proteins - chemistry
Bacterial Proteins - ultrastructure
Bacteriology
Biofilms
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Genetic Complementation Test
Gram-positive bacteria
Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
Hydrophobic surfaces
Microbiology
Microscopy, Confocal
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
Microstructure
Miscellaneous
Polysaccharides, Bacterial - chemistry
Protein Multimerization
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Summary:Summary Biofilms are surface‐associated bacterial aggregates, in which bacteria are enveloped by polymeric substances known as the biofilm matrix. Bacillus subtilis biofilms display persistent resistance to liquid wetting and gas penetration, which probably explains the broad‐spectrum resistance of the bacteria in these biofilms to antimicrobial agents. In this study, BslA (formerly YuaB) was identified as a major contributor to the surface repellency of B. subtilis biofilms. Disruption of bslA resulted in the loss of surface repellency and altered the biofilm surface microstructure. BslA localized to the biofilm matrix in an exopolysaccharide‐dependent manner. Purified BslA exhibited amphiphilic properties and formed polymers in response to increases in the area of the air–water interface in vitro. Genetic and biochemical analyses showed that the self‐polymerization activity of BslA was essential for its ability to localize to the biofilm matrix. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that BslA formed a layer on the biofilm surface. Taken together, we propose that BslA, standing for biofilm‐surface layer protein, is responsible for the hydrophobic layer on the surface of biofilms.
ISSN:0950-382X
1365-2958
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2958.2012.08094.x