Alex Hossainkhail*, Ariana Ascherl*, Shirin Haan, Olivia Walker, and Dr. Sandy Fox-Moon

Educational Integration of Biofilm Research: Creating a Versatile Assay for Diverse Bacterial Species

ABSTRACT

Biofilms, as complex assemblies of microorganisms, present
significant implications in medical and environmental settings due to their role in chronic infections and antibiotic resistance. This study explores the biofilm formation of various bacterial species (Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and their application in the classroom and laboratory settings. Utilizing a crystal violet staining assay and spectrophotometric analysis for biofilm quantification, our research revealed distinctive biofilm formation patterns among these species. E. coli demonstrated the greatest biofilm mass formation whereas S. aureus exhibited the least. Our findings not only enhance the understanding of biofilm dynamics but also underline the assay’s utility as an educational tool, bridging classroom learning with clinical implications. This study highlights the necessity for further research into microbial growth, biofilm-associated pathogenicity, and the development of effective treatment strategies, allowing the methods described in this study to serve as a platform.

*Primary authors

Keywords

Faculty Mentor(s)

Sandy Fox-Moon, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Science, Technology
and Education, Biology