Presenter(s)

Sydney Herzog, Kelly McNamara

Comments

1:15-2:30, Kennedy Union Ballroom

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Description

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen that is typically isolated in food environments. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a common cleaner that is used in both medical and food-processing environments. How BAC impacts Listeria monocytogenes biofilm formation is not entirely known. Previous data from our lab has shown that concentrations of BAC higher than 0.1% enhances biofilm formation of Listeria monocytogenes. We hypothesized that bacterial lysing is the main reason for this enhancement. To test our hypothesis, we used different starting concentrations of Listeria monocytogenes culture and expected that higher bacteria inoculum would result in higher biofilm formation. Using a standard microplate biofilm assay and crystal violet staining, we showed a concentration-dependent formation of biofilm where higher amounts of Listeria monocytogenes led to higher biofilm formation, regardless if BAC was added. The BAC enhancement of biofilm formation was reduced with less L. monocytogenes inoculum. These results suggest that the bacterial abundance is a highly relevant factor in the effects of BAC on bacterial biofilm formation.

Publication Date

4-23-2025

Project Designation

Independent Research

Primary Advisor

Yvonne Y. Sun

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Scholarship; Practical Wisdom

Enhancement of biofilm in Listeria monocytogenes by benzalkonium chloride depends on the amount of the inoculum

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