Analyzing inhibitory and disruptive effect of boron derivatives onpseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC- 27853) and Escherichia coli(MG1655/K12) biofilms on surfaces in water supplies

Biofilm is a multi-stage composition of one or more microorganisms and extracellular matrix which adhere to the wet surfaces and supported by matrix against any external perturbation. Every year, people get serious sicknesses or even die because of chronic infections typically induced by biofilm. Hygienic water is the basis for healthy society. It is impossible to continue life without hygienic water. Most people use swimming pools or take showers in their own houses as well as public places. Additionally, water tanks are being used for washing or as commodity water,in particular in poor countries. Numerous studies have shown bacterial growth and biofilm formation on water tanks, swimming pools, etc. Moreover, the bacterial growth can seriously cause diseases and harm the society. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli are microorganisms which are gram negative and opportunist can proliferate easily and directly cause illness like sepsis, dysentery and even can cause death. Preventing or at least controlling biofilm formation is of great value from not only environmental but also social health perspectives. Biocidal agents such as boron derivatives are promising ways to control biofilm formation without harming human body. In this project, it was aimed to prevent biofilm formation and inhibit bacterial growth in places such swimming pools, bathrooms etc with special biocidal compounds which are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. In addition, the disruptive effect of these kinds of chemicals were be analyzed and tested on biofilm to make safe and healthy places for a human. It is expected to find a new way to prevent biofilm formation from these two bacteria inplaces such as swimming pool and water tanks that the water would be still for a long time. Therefore, disruption and inhibitory effects of different boron derivatives including boric acid (BA), sodium tetraborate decahydrate (STD) and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) on biofilm formation by two bacterial species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, were investigated in-vitro micro-well bioassay in this study.The results showed that 25 mg/ml concentration of STD and DOT have better potential to disrupt and/or inhibit both of bacterial biofilm formation tested. Further studies are needed to confirm that boron derivatives may be beneficial to use in the drug industry and construction material such as ceramic in order to control biofilm formation and related health problems in the future.