Listeria Monocytogenes Attachment and Biofilm Formation on Aluminum Packaging Surfaces

Abstract

The impact of topographical features of packaging aluminum surface on Listeria monocytogenes adhesion and early stages of biofilm formation has been studied. Observations made by both fluorescence and scanning probe microscopy illustrate that, in the developmental process of the biofilm a number of stages are involved whereby the cells attain different spatial arrangements determined by the surface topography. Based on the morphological analysis of bacteria adhesion process, we were able to distinguish between several types of surface constraints by their lengthscales and an impact on the foodborne pathogens’ colonization behavior. Proposed theoretical model enables to estimate the critical size of a surface confine that does not impose limitations on nutrient access to the bacteria. The data obtained allow better understanding of the mechanisms of surface colonization by foodborne pathogens and evaluating the bioavailability of engineered metal surfaces.