Spore formation in Bacillus subtilis biofilms

Spore formation by a Bacillus strain (Bacillus subtilis SpoIVFB-GFP) engineered with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to a polytopic membrane protein (SpoIVF) that fluoresces during sporulation was observed. Biofilms of B. subtilis SpoIVFB-GFP containing ca. 8 log CFU/ml vegetative cells and spores below the lower detection limit (i.e., <1 log CFU/ ml) were allowed to develop on glass wool (37 degrees C). These biofilms were subsequently exposed to nutrient limitation to stimulate spore formation, which was monitored for fluorescence by confocal scanning laser microscopy. Sporulation in corresponding planktonic cells was also monitored for comparative purposes. Planktonic B. subtilis SpoIVFB-GFP cells began fluorescing after 5 h, while B. subtilis SpoIVFB-GFP biofilm cells began fluorescing after 30 h. Results suggested that an existing biofilm of vegetative B. subtilis cells may be stimulated to form spores when exposed to conditions of nutrient limitation. From a practical point of view, it may be suggested that a window of time does exist before sporulation occurs in attached Bacillus biofilms highlighting the need for shorter operating runs between cleaning and sanitation of food-processing equipment surfaces.