Characterization of the attachment matrix ofPseudomonas fragiattached to non‐porous surfaces

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Abstract
Microbial attachment to food‐contact surfaces is of interest to those involved with the production, processing and safety of the food supply. The attachment of Pseudomonas fragi to food contact surfaces is reviewed. Initial efforts in the author's laboratory focused on methods to study the attachment of this organism to stainless steel. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to visualize adherence of P. fragt to stainless steel. Improved visualization was obtained by adding ruthenium red and sodium cacodylate buffer to the SEM fixation procedure. Heavy metal staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to tentatively identify the attachment matrix as a complex polysaccharide. Further evidence from the use of specific chemicals and enzymes is presented which confirms that the material involved in the adherence of P. fragi to stainless steel is a complex polysaccharide.