Microbial Aggregation Assay for Probiotic Strains
Creative Biolabs is a leader in customized solutions with more than 10 years of extensive experience in live biotherapeutics and next-generation probiotics research. Our team of skilled scientists will work directly with you to develop probiotics of your interest.
Overview
The ability to adhere to mucus and epithelial cells is considered an important selection criterion for potential probiotic strains. The adhesion of probiotic strains varies among strains, depending on the cell surface properties such as hydrophobicity and extracellular protein profile. Auto-aggregation and co-aggregation of bacteria are two important interactions leading to flocculation formation in natural and engineered systems. In these systems, bacteria form flocs either by aggregating with genetically identical cells (auto-aggregation) or with genetically distinct cells (co-aggregation). Since they are species-dependent, the process of flocculation formation through auto-aggregation and co-aggregation is more predictable if there is sufficient knowledge of the interaction relationships between bacterial cells. Auto-aggregation and co-aggregation of microorganisms leading to the formation of biofilms or flocs are widespread in natural systems. The specific cell-cell interactions were determined using auto-aggregation assay and co-aggregation assay.
Auto-aggregation Assay
Auto-aggregation appears to be the first step in the adhesion process, allowing bacteria to form a barrier and prevent the adhesion of undesirable bacteria. Auto-aggregation of bacteria refers to the process by which bacteria interact in a static liquid suspension and settle to the bottom. Auto-aggregation is a widely studied phenomenon that leads to the formation of a community structure that facilitates interaction and communication between cells, gene exchange, adhesion, and colonization in different environments. The ability of auto-aggregation has been associated with adhesion. To achieve the desired benefit of probiotic bacteria, they need to form sufficiently large biomass through aggregation. The identified triggers of auto-aggregation include gut, nutritional, chemical, and oxidative stress, temperature changes, and nutrient availability.
Fig.1 The role of autoaggregation in biofilm formation. (Trunk, 2018)
Co-aggregation Assay
The ability of probiotic strains to co-aggregate is central to forming biofilms and competing with pathogens for binding sites. Co-aggregation interactions are thought to contribute to biofilm development through two pathways.
Fig.2 Diagram illustrating the possible roles of coaggregation in the development of multi-species biofilms. (Rickard, 2003)
Samples
Any culturable probiotic or other microorganisms. For example, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and so on.
Pathogenic Bacteria
E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, or other pathogens.
Creative Biolabs provides complete solutions by combining expertise, advanced technology, and extensive experience to meet the ever-expanding needs of scientific discovery. We provide comprehensive support and quality control to ensure high reliability. If you are interested in our microbial aggregation assay services, please do not hesitate to contact us.
References
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Trunk, T.; et al. Bacterial autoaggregation. AIMS microbiology. 2018, 4(1): 140.
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Rickard, A.H.; et al. Bacterial coaggregation: an integral process in the development of multi-species biofilms. Trends in microbiology. 2003, 11(2): 94-100.
For Research Use Only. Not intended for use in food manufacturing or medical procedures (diagnostics or therapeutics). Do Not Use in Humans.
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