Confocal microscopy imaging of the biofilm matrix

Sebastian Schlafer; Rikke L Meyer

doi:10.1016/j.mimet.2016.03.002

Confocal microscopy imaging of the biofilm matrix

J Microbiol Methods. 2017 Jul:138:50-59. doi: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.03.002. Epub 2016 Mar 12.

Authors

Sebastian Schlafer¹, Rikke L Meyer²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Dentistry, HEALTH, Aarhus University, Vennelyst Boulevard 9, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Electronic address: sebastians@microbiology.au.dk.
² Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Bioscience, Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Electronic address: rikke.meyer@inano.au.dk.

PMID: 26979645
DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.03.002

Abstract

The extracellular matrix is an integral part of microbial biofilms and an important field of research. Confocal laser scanning microscopy is a valuable tool for the study of biofilms, and in particular of the biofilm matrix, as it allows real-time visualization of fully hydrated, living specimens. Confocal microscopes are held by many research groups, and a number of methods for qualitative and quantitative imaging of the matrix have emerged in recent years. This review provides an overview and a critical discussion of techniques used to visualize different matrix compounds, to determine the concentration of solutes and the diffusive properties of the biofilm matrix.

Keywords: Biofilm; CLSM; Confocal microscopy; EPS; Extracellular matrix; Fluorescent stains.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Biofilms*
Extracellular Matrix*
Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching / methods
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / methods
Fluorescent Dyes
Microscopy, Confocal / methods*
Staining and Labeling / methods

Substances

Fluorescent Dyes