Determination of NO and CSF Levels Produced by Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

The cell-to-cell communication and division of labour that occurs inside a beneficial biofilmproduce significant differences in gene expression compared with the gene expression pattern of cellsgrew under planktonic conditions. In this sense, the levels of NO (nitric oxide) and CSF (CompetenceSporulation Stimulating Factor) produced in Bacillus subtilis cultures have been measured only underplanktonic growth conditions. We sought to determine whether NO and/or CSF production is affected inB. subtilis cells that develop as a biofilm. To measure the production levels of the two prolongevitymolecules, we grew B. subtilis cells under planktonic and biofilm supporting condition.