Bioemulsifier (BE-AM1) produced by Solibacillus silvestris AM1 is a functional amyloid that modulates bacterial cell-surface properties

The amyloid nature of the bioemulsifier (BE-AM1) was confirmed by biophysical techniques (Congo red based polarization microscopy, ThioflavinS based fluorescent microscopy, fibrous arrangement in transmission electron microscopy and secondary structure measurement by FTIR and CD spectrum analysis).

Cell-bound BE-AM1 production by S. silvestris AM1 during the mid-logarithmic phase of growth coincided with a decrease in cell surface hydrophobicity, and an increase in cell autoaggregation and biofilm formation. It was observed that the total interfacial interaction energy () for the surface of the bioemulsifier producing S. silvestris AM1 and different derivatized surfaces of polystyrene (silanized and sulfonated) was found to support biofilm formation.