BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A STRONG BIOFILM-FORMING BACTERIAL STRAIN ISOLATED FROM COW'S MILK RAW OF LIVESTOCK FARMERS

Abstract

Bacterial biofilm formation on dairy processing equipment surfaces can adversely affect product quality and safety. This study aimed to isolate, screen and identify biofilm-forming bacterial strains from raw cow’s milk collected from four smallholder dairy farms in Cai Rang ward, Can Tho city, Vietnam. A total of 12 milk samples were cultured on selective media, biofilm-forming ability was quantitatively assessed under laboratory conditions, the strongest biofilm-producing strain was identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Ten biofilm-forming bacterial strains were obtained, among which strain CT412 exhibited the highest biofilm production and was identified as Serratia nematodiphila. This strain demonstrated extracellular protease and lipase activities, indicating potential risks of causing bovine mastitis and milk spoilage. The findings provide a scientific basis for further studies on controlling biofilm-forming bacteria in dairy production and processing.