biofilm Tag

Article:  Study finds amoeba “grazing,’ killing bacteria usually protected by film (April 17, 2017)

Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Study finds amoeba “grazing,” killing bacteria usually protected by film

Summary:

An Amoeba species called Dictyostelids  is capable of penetrating biofilm in order to eat the bacteria within. Bacteria tested were  Pseudomonas aeruginos,  Pseudomonas syringae,  Klebsiella oxytoca and  Erwinia amylovora.  All these bacteria are capable of creating biofilms and were harmful to humans or plants. This also opens up further studies of methods of killing bacteria without resorting to antibiotics, which the bacteria may grow resistances to.

Connection:
We’ve learned about how certain microbes can create biofilms to protect and help with survival. This article is about how we can get around that. Also my isolate happened to be a bacteria capable of creating biofilms (S.epidermidis)

Critical Analysis:

Most of the article was regarding the scientists’ steps in finding out about this amoeba rather than the actual science behind it. However, it did use many quotes by the scientists so it did give assurances on the accuracy of the report.

Question:

What is the molecular mechanism of how the amoeba can “eat” biofilm?

Will using amoeba to kill bacteria be safe for humans/plants in vivo?