Multi-System Analysis of Microbial Biofilms
EMSL Project ID
47606
Abstract
Abstract: This proposed research will employ state-of-the-art technologies at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) for determining chemical composition in relation to the native-state structure/architecture of biofilms and a highly hydrated biofilm component, commonly referred to as extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). In these studies, we will produce biofilms using bacteria isolated from Hanford Site sediments to produce the mature biofilms or purified EPS required to study the biofilm/EPS-metal ion interactions. Using high-resolution cryogenic electron Microscopy (EM) imaging correlated with nano-secondary ion mass spectroscopy (nano-SIMS), we will produce spatially resolved, chemical information that corresponds to EM images of the biofilm at the nanometer scale. Concurrent with these studies, a suite of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques will also be employed to characterize the biogeochemical interactions of biofilms. Solid-state NMR will allow us to perform a detailed structural analysis of purified biofilm EPS and determine the innate capacity of purified EPS to bind metal ions; while in situ NMR studies will permit us to monitor spatially resolved metabolism. These integrated technologies will enable us to characterize the chemical and physical interactions of hydrated biofilms and catalytic components of EPS as they interact with redox-transformable metal ions and influence biogeochemical reactions at many spatial scales. Determining the chemical composition and spatial coordination of biofilm-associated EPS with inorganic substrates, including metal ions, and investigating the reactivity of catalytic proteins that alter the redox state and/or solubility of multivalent ions in biofilms will significantly advance understanding of how molecular-scale biogeochemical reactions can influence subsurface contaminant fate and transport at larger scales.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2012-10-01
End Date
2014-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members