Pseudomonas putida actively forms biofilms to protect the population under antibiotic stress

Antibiotics are frequently used for clinical treatment and by the farming industry, and most of these are eventually released into the surrounding environment. The impact of these antibiotic pollutants on environmental microorganisms is a concern. The present study showed that after Pseudomonas putida entered the logarithmic growth phase, tetracycline strongly stimulated its biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. This was supported by the increased expression of the key adhesin gene lapA in response to tetracycline treatment. Tetracycline treatment also changed the expression levels of the exopolysaccharide gene clusters alg, bcs and pea and the adhesin gene lapF. However, these genes did not participate in the tetracycline-induced biofilm formation. When a biofilm had been established, the P. putida population became more tolerant to tetracycline. Confocal laser scanning microscopic images showed that the interior of the biofilm provided favorable conditions that protected bacterial cells from tetracycline. Besides, biofilm formation of P. putida was also promoted by several other antibiotics, including oxytetracycline, fluoroquinolones, rifampicin, and imipenem, but not aminoglycosides. Susceptibility tests suggested that biofilm conferred a higher tolerance on P. putida cells to specific antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones). These antibiotics exerted a stronger inducing effect on biofilm formation. Together, our results indicate that P. putida actively forms robust biofilms in response to antibiotic stress, and the biofilms improve the survival of bacterial population under such stress.