Aim: Study the effect of microgravitation on the formation of Lactobacillusplantarum 8PA-3 bacterial biofilms in the conditions of space flight.
Materials and methods: Information on the ef- fect of microgravitation on the development of biofilms was obtained during study of L. plantarum 8PA-3 probiotic lactobacilli in special equipment in the process of execution of space experiments in the Russian segment of the International Space Station. Comparative analysis of growth of plankton and biofilm forms of cells developing in the conditions of space flight and surface conditions was carried out by microbiologic and electron-microscopy methods using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
Results: Accelerated dynamics of formation of L. plantarum 8PA-3 lactobacilli biofim on the surface polymer substrate was shown for the first time during the space experiment. Microbiological anfalysis of the bacterial culture has also confirmed the accelerated growth of L.plantarum 8PA-3 under microgravitation compared with surface conditions. Ultrastructure of plankton form of L. plantarum 8PA-3 taking part in formation of biofilms inconditions ofmicrogravitationwas detected for the first time inthe space experiment.
Conclusion: Data on comparative electron-microscopic analysis obtained in space experiments are important for scientific justification of the effect of icrogravitation on bacterial communities developig as biofilms - the most natural form of existence of microorganisms. The results obtained could be taken into consideration during creation of novel antibacterial means and disinfectants as well as methods of treatment of surfaces of modules of piloted space complexes that could allow to clarify methods of effective prophylaxis of biofilm spread which pose a risk of health of the crew and normal functioning of equipment in the International Space Station.