DNA Persistence in a Sink Drain Environment

Journal Article · Fri Jul 31 04:00:00 UTC 2015 · PLoS ONE

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0134798 · OSTI ID:1209864

Winder, Eric M. ^[1]; Bonheyo, George T. ^[2]

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1. Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
2. Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Sequim, WA (United States)

Biofilms are organized structures composed mainly of cells and extracellular polymeric substances produced by the constituent microorganisms. Ubiquitous in nature, biofilms have an innate ability to capture and retain passing material and may therefore act as natural collectors of contaminants or signatures of upstream activities. To determine the persistence and detectability of DNA passing through a sink drain environment, Bacillus anthracis strain Ames35 was cultured (6.35 x 10⁷ CFU/mL), sterilized, and disposed of by addition to a sink drain apparatus with an established biofilm. The sink drain apparatus was sampled before and for several days after the addition of the sterilized B. anthracis culture to detect the presence of B. anthracis DNA. Multiple PCR primer pairs were used to screen for chromosomal and plasmid DNA with primers targeting shorter sequences showing greater amplification efficiency and success. PCR amplification and detection of target sequences indicate persistence of chromosomal DNA and plasmid DNA in the biofilm for 5 or more and 14 or more days, respectively.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program
• Grant/Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1209864
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-101318; 400470000
• Journal Information: PLoS ONE, Journal Name: PLoS ONE Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 10; ISSN 1932-6203
• Publisher: Public Library of ScienceCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English