Effect of Citric Acid on Biofilm Formed by P. fluorescens Strains Isolated from Raw Milk Samples Offered for Consumption

Aims: In this study, the antibiofilm activity of citric acid on P. fluorescens isolated from raw milk samples was studied.

Background: Due to the resistance it gives to Pseudomonas bacteria, the presence of biofilm has been mentioned in recent studies. Biofilm is defined as the irreversible mucoid layer that microorganisms form on any surface and milk biofilms, which are the cause of contamination in milk, are a major concern in the dairy industry.

Methods: In this study, antibiofilm activity of citric acid and chlorine was investigated in 16 Pseudomonas fluorescens strains isolated from raw milk samples. For this purpose, the prevention and removal of biofilm formation of P. fluorescens strains was determined comparatively after treatment with microtitration plates with chlorine or citric acid.

Results: It was found that after treatment of microplates with citric acid, biofilm formation in P. fluorescens isolates was prevented by 52% and eliminated by 71-78%. It was also found that after the microplates were treated with chlorine, biofilm formation was prevented by 48% and eliminated by 61%.

Conclusion: This study showed that it was observed that citric acid can be used as an antibiofilm against biofilms produced by P. fluorescens bacteria.