Comparison of four methods for quantification of biofilms in biphasic cultures

Abstract

Three methods for determining the total biofilm amount in biphasic cultures have been compared: dry weight by filtration after solvent treatment, optical density with a biomass probe and protein content. The activity of the biofilm was estimated through mineral nitrogen consumption. Calculation of the coefficients of variation shows that these parameters could be used to characterise such a biofilm. The optical density by biomass probe was the most reliable one (repeatability <0.5%) to quantify total biofilm and a linear relation was verified against dry weight.