Figure 6

Biofilm disruption of eDNA by DNAse. Twenty four hr single species and mixed species biofilms were exposed to DNAse for 16 hr at concentrations from 0 (buffer) to 1.25 mg/ml (Figure 6A). Biofilm formation was significantly decreased by DNAse at 1.25 mg/ml compared to buffer (p < 0.05) and the biofilm disruption effect was concentration dependent. A time course experiment was performed by the addition of DNAse (0.65 mg/ml) at 0, 6 or 18 hrs and biofilm development continued till 24 hr and quantitated (Figure 6B). Both S. epidermidis and mixed species biofilm formation were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after addition of DNAse at the three time-points of DNAse exposure. Percentage reduction in biofilms was more pronounced in mixed species biofilms compared to single species S. epidermidis biofilms (Figure 6C). S. epidermidis biofilms are represented in white squares and bars and mixed species biofilms in gray squares and bars.