1. Mixed mutant biofilms have restoration of extracellular matrix structure and function.
Mixed mutant biofilms have restoration of extracellular matrix structure and function. Different combinations of a mannan mutant (mnn9Δ/Δ), a β-1,6 glucan mutant (kre5Δ/Δ), and a β-1,3 glucan synthase mutant (TET-FKS1) were used in equal number to inoculate mixed biofilms. Assays were performed as previously described: (A) SEM, (B) matrix carbohydrate content (P < 0.05), (C) biofilm reduction following fluconazole treatment (P < 0.005), and (D) matrix fluconazole sequestration (P < 0.005). Data for single-mutant biofilms previously presented in Fig. 1 are shown here for reference. Asterisks indicate the mixed mutant biofilm values are significantly different from their corresponding single mutant values. (E) The mnn9Δ/Δ and kre5 Δ/Δ mixed biofilm was tested in vivo using a rat central venous catheter model, with the effects of fluconazole or saline treatment compared with the reference and single mutant biofilms. Biofilms were quantified using viable cell counts following treatment (P < 0.006). Statistical analyses are based on ANOVA using pairwise comparisons with the Holm–Sidak method. Mean and SEs are shown.
Kaitlin F. Mitchell et al. PNAS 2015;112:13:
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