Cellular hydrophobicity of Listeria monocytogenes involves initial attachment and biofilm formation on the surface of polyvinyl chloride.

Aims:  To clarify the cellular properties of Listeria monocytogenes involved in adhesion to and biofilm formation on polyvinyl chloride, a widely used material in the food manufacturing process. Methods and Results:  A significant correlation between the ability of initial adherence to and biofilm formation on PVC was observed for 24 L. monocytogenes strains (Spearman rank-correlation coefficient, rs = 0·89). The swimming motility assay revealed no relationship between initial adherence and motility of L. monocytogenes. The microbial adhesion to solvent assay revealed an interaction of L. monocytogenes cells with nonpolar solvents, and a significant correlation was also observed between the degree of interaction with nonpolar solvents and initial adherence to PVC (rs = 0·87 and rs = 0·84, between initial adherence and affinities to decane and hexadecane, respectively). Conclusions:  Results indicate that cellular hydrophobicity of L. monocytogenes is an important property involved in the initial adherence to and biofilm formation on PVC. Significance and Impact of Study:  This study clarified the factors involved in the adherence to and biofilm formation ability of L. monocytogenes strains with PVC.