The structure of Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms in contact with flowing systems

Using a specially designed flow system Pseudomonas fluorescens has been grown on the inside of glass tubes under carefully controlled conditions. Results show that films developed from water flowing at 0–5 m.s‐1 are less compact and thicker than with a water velocity of 2–5 m.s‐1. In the latter all the cells are aligned in the direction of flow whereas in the former the individual cells directly attached to the surface, are randomly distributed with groups of cells lying parallel to the tube axis.