Abstract
Biofouling control by quorum sensing (QS) inhibition and the influence of membrane surface characteristics on biofilm formation and QS inhibition were investigated. Pseudomonas putida isolated from the bio-fouled reverse osmosis (RO) membranes in a real plant was used. Acylase was chosen as a model QS inhibitor. Bacteria on the membrane coupons were quantified with the heterotrophic plate count method. Cell distribution was imaged by a confocal laser scanning microscope. Results showed that biofilm formation on the membrane was reduced by acylase as it inhibits the activity of N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) which is a signal molecule of QS. It was also shown that membrane surface characteristics were influential factors affecting bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and QS inhibition.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1424-1430 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Water Science and Technology |
Volume | 66 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Keywords
- Acylase
- Biofouling
- Pseudomonas putida
- Quorum sensing
- Reverse osmosis (RO) membrane
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Science and Technology