The Effect of Microgravity on Biofilm Formation by E. coli on Polystyrene Particles
Introduction
Objective
Hypothesis
Materials
Ground Control Beads
Biofilms at 6K and10K Magnification
Ground Control Bead in Cross Section
E. coli on Biofilms on Ground Control Bead at 5.0K Magnification
Biofilm Formation of E.coli at 5.0K Magnification(Washed with Decolorizer)
Ground Control (left), and Microgravity sample (right) Grown on EMB Media
Bacteria from Microgravity Experiment on TSA Media (left), and Blood Agar (right)
Identification of Bacteria that overgrew E. coli
Results for Ground Control Samples
Acknowledgements

Methods
E. coli K-12 was cultured at 37 °C for 24 h and diluted to a final concentration of 1.4 X108 CFU/mL
Experimental samples consisted of 60 polystyrene beads in 90 ml of 0.85% saline mixed with 125 ml of E. coli suspension
Bacterial experiments were set up for Microgavity & Ground-Control conditions
Microgravity experiment was on the Endeavour for 15 days, 17 hours
Samples were observed using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
Biofilms were located and measured by length, width, and thickness using the SEM measuring tool