Anti-biofouling property of vanillin on Aeromonas hydrophila initial biofilm on various membrane surfaces

• Published in: World journal of microbiology & biotechnology Vol. 29; no. 9; pp. 1695 - 1703
• Main Authors: Ponnusamy, K., Kappachery, S., Thekeettle, M., Song, J. H., Kweon, J. H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01-09-2013; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aeromonas hydrophila; Aeromonas hydrophila - drug effects; Aeromonas hydrophila - growth & development; Analysis; Applied Microbiology; Bacteria; Benzaldehydes - pharmacology; Biochemistry; Biofilms; Biofilms - drug effects; Biofilms - growth & development; Biofouling; Biofouling - prevention & control; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biotechnology; Cellulose acetate; Chemicals; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Environmental engineering; Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology; Filtration; Life Sciences; Liquid chromatography; Membranes; Membranes, Artificial; Microbiology; Microorganisms; Microscopy; Microscopy, Confocal; Natural products; Nitrates; Original Paper; Physical properties; Pollutants; Pore size; Prevention; Proteins; Quorum Sensing; Reduction; Reverse osmosis; Studies; Ultrafiltration; Vanillin; Water purification; Water supply; Anti-biofouling; Quorum sensing; Vanillin; RO membrane
• ISSN: 0959-3993; 1573-0972
• DOI: 10.1007/s11274-013-1332-2

Biofouling is a serious problem on filter membranes of water purification systems due to formation of bacterial biofilms, which can be detrimental to the membrane performance. Biofouling occurs on membrane surface and therefore greatly influences the physical and chemical aspects of the surface. Several membranes including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes were used to learn about the anti-biofouling properties of vanillin affecting the membrane performances. Vanillin has been recognized as a potential quorum quenching compound for
Aeromonas hydrophila
biofilms. The initial attachment and dynamics of biofilm growth were monitored using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Biofilm quantities were measured using a plate count method and total protein determinations. Vanillin addition was effective in the prevention of biofilm formation on the tested membrane surfaces. Among the membranes, RO membranes made with cellulose acetate showed the most substantial reduction of biofilm formation by addition of vanillin. The biofilm reduction was confirmed by the results of surface coverage, biomass and protein accumulation. The HPLC spectrum of the spent culture with vanillin addition showed that vanillin may interfere with quorum sensing molecules and thus prevent the formation of the biofilms.