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Evaluation of two autoinducer‐2 quantification methods for application in marine environments
Author(s) -
Wang T.N.,
Kaksonen A.H.,
Hong P.Y.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/jam.13725
Subject(s) - seawater , biofilm , biofouling , vibrio harveyi , bioassay , high performance liquid chromatography , chromatography , artificial seawater , quorum sensing , biology , environmental chemistry , chemistry , vibrio , ecology , bacteria , biochemistry , genetics , membrane
Aim This study evaluated two methods, namely high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection ( HPLC ‐ FLD ) and Vibrio harveyi BB 170 bioassay, for autoinducer‐2 ( AI ‐2) quantification in marine samples. Using both methods, the study also investigated the stability of AI ‐2 in varying pH , temperature and media, as well as quantified the amount of AI ‐2 signals in marine samples. Methods and Results HPLC ‐ FLD method showed a higher level of reproducibility and precision compared to V. harveyi BB 170 bioassay. Alkaline pH (>8) and high temperature (>37°C) increased the instability of AI ‐2. The AI ‐2 concentrations in seawater were low, c . 3·2–27·6 pmol l −1 , whereas 8‐week‐old marine biofilm grew on an 18·8 cm 2 substratum accumulated c . 0·207 nmol of AI ‐2. Conclusion Both methods have pros and cons for AI ‐2 quantification in marine samples. Regardless, both methods reported a ubiquitous presence of AI ‐2 in both planktonic and biomass fractions of seawater, as well as in marine biofilm. Significance and Impact of the Study In this study, AI ‐2 signals were for the first time enumerated in marine samples to reveal the ubiquitous presence of AI ‐2 in this environment. The findings suggest a possible role of AI ‐2 in biofilm formation in marine environment, and the contribution of AI ‐2 in biofilm‐associated problems such as biofouling and biocorrosion.