Quantification of biofilm biomass by staining: Non-toxic safranin can replace the popular crystal violet

Pernille Ommen; Natalia Zobek; Rikke Louise Meyer

doi:10.1016/j.mimet.2017.08.003

Quantification of biofilm biomass by staining: Non-toxic safranin can replace the popular crystal violet

J Microbiol Methods. 2017 Oct:141:87-89. doi: 10.1016/j.mimet.2017.08.003. Epub 2017 Aug 10.

Authors

Pernille Ommen¹, Natalia Zobek¹, Rikke Louise Meyer²

Affiliations

¹ Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
² Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Electronic address: rikke.meyer@inano.au.dk.

PMID: 28802722
DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2017.08.003

Abstract

Crystal violet staining is commonly used for quantification of biofilm formation, although it is highly toxic. Here we test safranin as a non-toxic replacement. Safranin staining provided similar results as crystal violet, but with higher reproducibility. We therefore recommend safranin staining for biofilm biomass quantification.

Keywords: Biofilm quantification; CV assay; Crystal violet; Safranin.

Publication types

Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

Biofilms*
Biomass*
Coloring Agents*
Gentian Violet
Phenazines*
Reproducibility of Results
Staining and Labeling / methods*

Substances

Coloring Agents
Phenazines
Gentian Violet
safranine T