Effect of Galactose on EPS Production and Attachment of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans to Mineral Surfaces

The presence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and their relevance for biofilm formation on the mineral surface for a variety of microbial species play a fundamental role in the degradation of sulfide ores. EPS production is associated with induction or auto induction mechanisms as a response of bacteria to environmental conditions. In this study, we tested galactose as an inducer of EPS production in planktonic cells of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans DSM 14887T and their adherence to polymetallic mineral surfaces. Cells of At. thiooxidans were first adapted to grow at different concentrations of galactose (0.15, 0.25, 0.35%) using a modified 9K liquid medium and elemental sulfur as the energy source. In order to determine EPS production, the microorganisms were grown for 24 hours at different concentrations of galactose. Our results showed a cell adherence of 84% cells within 4 hours in presence of 0.15% galactose compared to 70% without galactose. The optimal concentration of galactose for maximal EPS production was 0.25% and for the attachment of cells it was 0.15%. Higher galactose concentrations inhibited microbial growth and decreased the number of cells attached to the mineral. While with a small amount of galactose in the culture media can shift the balance between sessile cells and planktonic cells, generating an increase in adhesion and therefore a possible increase of the bioleaching rate.