A Biofilm Formation Analysis of Environmental Escherichia coli Isolates

Microbial aggregates known as biofilms are kept alive as a community by the release of an extracellular matrix made up of proteins, DNA, and exopolysaccharides. Biofilm formation is a type of self-defence mechanism that microorganisms use to avoid stresses from the environment when they are in unfavourable environmental conditions. Long-term survival on both biotic and abiotic surfaces is made possible by these communities' exceptional resistance to disinfectants and antimicrobials. Being able to produce biofilm, E. coli a very versatile microbe that can survive in a variety of environmental conditions. In this study E. coli were isolated and identified from environmental samples using standard microbiological procedure. Total 420 environmental E. coli isolates were subjected to determination of biofilm formation by screening Congo Red Agar (CRA) method, all screened 315 biofilm forming E. coli isolates were subjected to qualitative Tube Method (TM) and quantitative Micro Titre Plate (MTP) assay. In this study from 315 screened E. coli isolates, 98% positive by TM method and 98% positive by MTP method. Biofilms lead to recurring infections, the failure of antibiotics, also industrial issues such as equipment contamination that reduces productivity. Therefore, research into biofilm-producing microorganisms is crucial.