FIG. 1.

Attachment of P. aeruginosa and biofilm growth and robustness. (A) The indicated strains containing pSMC21 were allowed to attach to the glass surface before application of a medium flow for 15 min (left; attachment) and 24 h (right; biofilm). Each maximal projection is representative of five CLSM observations. (B) Stability of biofilms grown under static conditions in 96-well PVC microtiter plates. Biofilms were quantified by crystal violet staining after gentle washing by immersion into water or harsh washing with running water. Each value is the average for three independent experiments. (C) Side views of biofilms of the indicated strains containing pSMC21. Biofilms were grown under static conditions, and medium flows of 0.6 ml h⁻¹ (left) and 2.5 ml h⁻¹ (right) were applied for 5 min before CLSM observations. These data are representative of two distinct experiments.