| Differences in biofilm formation between Scenedesmus obliquus and Chlorella vulgaris were examined, as well as the effects of substrate properties.;Species selection and species control had significant effects. In non-sterile conditions, C. vulgaris shifted from planktonic (23.7% attachment) to sessile (79.8% attachment) growth, and formed films of higher average thickness (52 +/- 19 microm) than in sterile conditions (7 +/- 6 microm). By contrast, S. obliquus attained similar thicknesses (54 +/- 31 microm and 53 +/- 38 microm) in both sterile and non-sterile conditions.;The effect of substrate properties was minimal. Both species grew films of similar thickness (∼ 30 microm for S. obliquus, <10 microm for C. vulgaris) on materials ranging from hydrophilic (glass) to hydrophobic (polytetrafluoroethylene). Micropatterning the surface also had little effect on film formation.;The results indicate that species selection and species control are more important that substrate properties in the development of microalgal biofilms. |
