Control of Microbial Attachment by Inhibition of ATP and ATP-Mediated Autoinducer-2

In this study, 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), a typical chemical uncoupler, was employed to investigate the possible roles of ATP and autoinducer-2 (AI-2) of suspended microorganisms in attachment onto nylon membrane and glass slide surfaces. Results showed that DNP could disrupt ATP synthesis, subsequently led to a reduced production of AI-2 which is a common signaling molecule for cellular communication. Attachment of suspended microorganisms exposed to DNP was significantly suppressed as compared to microorganisms without contact with DNP. These suggest that an energized state of suspended microorganisms would favor microbial attachment to both nylon membrane and glass slide surfaces. The extent of microbial attachment was found to be positively related to the AI-2 content of microorganisms. This study offers insights into the control of biofouling by preventing initial microbial attachment through inhibition of energy metabolism. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010; 107: 31-36. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.