Survival and Biofilm Formation of Pseudomonas Putida Under Glucose Starvation on Model Sand Surfaces

ABSTRACT The effects of glucose starvation on Pseudomonas putida biofilm formation and adhesion on model sand surfaces were explored. Using short sand columns, we investigated P. putida biofilm survival and growth during 80‐day period under glucose‐fed and glucose‐starved conditions. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were extracted and assayed for protein and carbohydrate contents, whereas biofilm adhesion to a model surface was quantified by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Upon glucose starvation, P. putida produced more proteins and that was associated with stronger adhesion to sand surfaces compared to glucose‐fed biofilms. These results affirm the capability of P. putida to support structurally robust, adhesive biofilms under extended nutrient deprivation. The findings have implications on the geotechnical and environmental applications of starving P. putida biofilms (e.g., for production of a tough biobarrier under low‐nutrient conditions for soil stabilization and groundwater remediation).