Three-dimensional distribution of GFP-tagged Pseudomonas putida during biofilm formation on solid PAHs assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy

Abstract

Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to monitor the colonization pattern of the gfp-labelled derivative strain of Pseudomonas putida ATCC 17514 on fluorene and phenanthrene crystals. The in situ experiments showed that P. putida tends to grow directly on phenanthrene, forming a biofilm on accessible crystalline surfaces. On the other hand, no significant biofilm formation was observed in the presence of fluorene. The higher biopolymers production in the presence of phenanthrene rather than fluorene may be a strategy to increase substrate accessibility.