Abstract
We studied the surface properties of F. acidiphilum DSM 28986 by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transformed infra-red (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and microbial adhesion to hydrocarbon (MATH) techniques. In addition, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were extracted and characterized by conventional colorimetric analysis and fluorescence lectin-binding analysis (FLBA). Results showed that: 1) cells selectively adhered to mineral surfaces and showed maximum attachment to pyrite of approx. 50% within 30 min; 2) EPS synthesis by F. acidiphilum DSM 28986 was influenced by growth substrates; and 3) tightly-bound EPS (capsular EPS) were composed of carbohydrates and proteins. In contrast, loosely-bound EPS (colloidal EPS) were mainly characterized as carbohydrates. Monosaccharides like glucose, fucose, arabinose, galactose, mannose, and sialic acid were detected in the EPS of F. acidiphilum DSM 28986. This study provides first insight into surface characterization of the cell wall-lacking archaeon F. acidiphilum and facilitates the understanding of interactions of this organism with other acidophiles and metal sulfides.
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