ZeoBioFilms: Exploring Mineral-Microbe Interactions Using AFM and SEM.

CASTRO, M.; SMITH, R.; ANDERSON, M.; ESCOBAR, A.,; SCHMIDT, W; FARIAS M.E.; ALBARRACÍN V. H.

Sacramento

Conferencia; GOLDSCHMIDT CONFERENCE; 2014

Zeolites as Suitable Materials to Support Life The interaction of zeolites and bacteria forming biofilms has been reported in soils (bio-fertilizer) [1]. Here, we present preliminary results on biofilm formation by extremophilic bacteria[2, 3] on well characterized surfaces of synthetic zeolitic materials [4] (ZeoBioFilms) using AFM and SEM*. Results and discussion BioSEM follows the steps of biofilm formation by extremophilic bacteria isolated from High Altitud Andean Lakes (HAAL): bacteria recognice, attach and grow to form a mature biofilm (Fig. 1B-C). In addition, AFM detects the surface modification after biofilm removal (Fig. 1A-D). We believe that a comprehensive understanding of the interaction mechanism can lead to biotechnological applications and shed light on evolution of life and astrobiology [5]. [1] Leggo et al (2006) Science of the total Environment 363, 1- 10. [2] Albarracin et al (2012) Orig. Life Evol. Biosphe. 42, 201-221. [3] Belfiore et al Extremophiles DOI: 10.1007/s00792-013-0523-y. [4] Cubillas et al (2009) Crystal Growth & Design 9, 4041-4050. [5] Farias et al (2013) PLoS One. 8 e53497.