Tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics reveals the regulators in biofilm formation and biofilm control of Bacillus licheniformis

Abstract

Regulatory mechanisms of Bacillus licheniformis biofilm formation and biofilm control are desired to be explored as it is a major contaminant with strong spoilage capacity in the dairy industry. In this study, tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics was employed to compare the expression profiles between biofilm cells and planktonic cells of B. licheniformis. Matrix production and sporulation, bacterial chemotaxis, flagellar assembly and two-component system played important roles on biofilm formation by B. licheniformis. Significant up-regulation proteins Spo0F and KapB, as well as down-regulation proteins MotB, FliG and FliK are the key regulators for biofilm prevention by Lactobacillus plantarum. The proteomics profiles provide novel insights into the biofilm formation and control of B. licheniformis.