Influence of Surface Material and Nutrient Conditions on Green Fluorescent Protein Production in Escherichia coli Biofilms

Escherichia coli biofilms have been investigated as a platform for producing recombinant proteins. This study aimed to assess the effect of different surface materials and culture media on E. coli biofilm formation and enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (eGFP) production. Three culture media with different carbon and nitrogen sources (Lysogeny broth, Terrific broth, and M9ZB broth) were tested in combination with three materials with distinct surface properties (stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride, and silicone rubber). Biofilm formation, specific eGFP production, and plasmid copy number were monitored in microtiter plates for 9 days. Microscopy and culturability results indicated that biofilm formation was highest in Terrific broth, regardless of the surface material. Additionally, polyvinyl chloride surfaces exposed to Terrific broth provided the most advantageous conditions for achieving the highest specific eGFP production and plasmid maintenance in biofilms. These findings are relevant for establishing operational conditions for producing recombinant proteins and other high-value-added compounds on larger-scale biofilm platforms.