Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 2 of 2
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Laboratory Growth Systems In Biofilm Research, Julian W. T. Wimpenny
Laboratory Growth Systems In Biofilm Research, Julian W. T. Wimpenny
Cells and Materials
The huge variety of ecosystems that we collectively refer to as "biofilm" is reflected by the numerous different systems available to grow them in the laboratory. The relationship between in situ systems, microcosms and laboratory models is defined and discussed. The first two represent holistic approaches designed to assess the structure and function of particular biofilms: the last is analytical and reductionist, aiming to isolate specific functions of biofilms in order to understand properties that can apply to biofilm in general. Properties of a model can be completely understood whilst this is unlikely with natural ecosystems because of the possibility …
Biofilm Mediated Calculus Formation In The Urinary Tract, Robert J. C. Mclean, David J. Stickler, J. Curtis Nickel
Biofilm Mediated Calculus Formation In The Urinary Tract, Robert J. C. Mclean, David J. Stickler, J. Curtis Nickel
Cells and Materials
Mineralization and subsequent calculus formation is a common complication of biofilm infections. In the urinary tract, these infected calculi often arise from infections by urease-producing bacteria. Ammonia, liberated by bacterial urease activity, increases urine pH, resulting in the precipitation of Ca and Mg as carbonateapatite {Ca10(PO4,CO3)6(OH,CO3)2} and struvite (NH4MgP04·6H2O). These minerals become entrapped in the organic matrix which surrounds the infecting organisms and ultimately grow into mature calculi. When the causative organisms grow on urinary catheters and stents, the resulting mineralization can …