Composition ofpseudomonas putidabiofilms: Accumulation of protein in the biofilm matrix

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Abstract
Biofilms of Pseudomonas putida were grown in a rotating annular reactor system under carbon and oxygen limitation with either citrate or glucose as sole carbon source. The biofilms were analysed for the composition of their water‐soluble extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The macromolecular composition of the biofilm matrix was heterogeneous. Protein was found to the largest fraction of the extracted polymers, and up to 75% of the water‐soluble extractable EPS consisted of proteins. Polysaccharides and DNA were found to be other major components of the EPS. No substantial difference was detected between carbon and oxygen limited biofilms. Ninety six per cent of the total protein was calculated to be extracellular in a 180‐h old carbon limited biofilm (citrate). A detailed examination of the protein and DNA content suggested that an accumulation of these compounds took place in the matrix of the EPS during the development of a carbon limited biofilm. Cells in a citrate limited biofilm were smaller (0.12 μm3), indicating their different physiological status.