Quantitative observations of heterogeneities in pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms

Abstract

Heterogeneity in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm was quantified by measuring distributions of thickness in biofilm samples and a distribution of particle sizes in effluent samples. The mean steady-state thickness was approximately 33 ,um, but individual measurements ranged from 13.3 to 60.0 Mm. Particles exceeding 100 ,um3 were observed in the reactor effluent. The results reveal a rough biofilm surface and indicate that most biomass detaches in the form of multicellular particles.