Biofilm Imaging
Biofilm Imaging - Related Videos
13:05
Ratiometric Imaging of Extracellular pH in Dental Biofilms
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Cited by 24 •
2016
A pH-sensitive ratiometric dye is used in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy and digital image analysis to monitor extracellular pH in dental biofilms in real-time.
04:35
A Microfluidic Device for Real-Time Imaging and Pressure Tracking During Biofilm Formation
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2026
Source: Kurz, D. L., et al. Microfluidic Platform to Study Bioclogging in Porous Media. J. Vis. Exp. (2022)The video demonstrates the use of a microfluidic device to study biofilm formation. A bacterial suspension is introduced into the microchannel, followed by incubation to allow biofilm development. Flow is then resumed, and pressure monitoring along with imaging is used to detect biofilm formation and pore blockage over time.
08:31
Candida albicans Biofilm Development on Medically-relevant Foreign Bodies in a Mouse Subcutaneous Model Followed by Bioluminescence Imaging
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Cited by 26 •
2015
We present an experimental procedure of Candida albicans biofilm development in a mouse subcutaneous model. Fungal biofilms were quantified by determining the number of colony forming units and by a non-invasive bioluminescence imaging, where the amount of light that is produced corresponds with the number of viable cells.
02:32
Confocal Imaging of Bacterial Biofilms Induced by Sputum Filtrates from Cystic Fibrosis Patients
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2026
Source: Beaudoin, T., et al. Visualizing the Effects of Sputum on Biofilm Development Using a Chambered Coverglass Model. J. Vis. Exp. (2016)This video demonstrates an in vitro method to assess how patient-derived cystic fibrosis sputum influences bacterial biofilm formation. Using chamber slides, fluorescent staining, and confocal microscopy, it reveals increased thickness, altered architecture, and higher viable biomass in biofilms grown with sputum, highlighting the role of host components...
10:17
Methodologies for Studying B. subtilis Biofilms as a Model for Characterizing Small Molecule Biofilm Inhibitors
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Cited by 28 •
2016
This study presents the development of reproducible methodologies to study biofilm inhibitors and their effects on Bacillus subtilis multicellularity.
FAQs
These tools create contrast between microbial cells and extracellular polymeric substances, allowing the two components to be examined separately rather than as one signal. That distinction helps investigators evaluate matrix-associated material, biomass distribution, and spatial organization. Comparing these signals under different chemical conditions can reveal whether changes affect the cells, the surrounding substances, or both.
Chemical gradients show that conditions can vary across a biofilm rather than remaining uniform throughout the community. Imaging can reveal these spatial differences alongside structure and composition, helping connect local chemistry with substance exchange, mineral or pollutant binding, and responses to pH or nutrient changes. This is especially useful for explaining uneven activity or organization within surface-associated growth.
Fluorescence microscopy can use probes or labels to make particular biofilm features distinguishable through their signals. This supports separate observation of cells and extracellular polymeric substances and helps relate each signal to location within the community. When combined with structural measurements, the approach provides a more chemically informative view of composition and spatial organization than an undifferentiated image.
Changes in pH and nutrient availability can alter biofilm composition, structure, and spatial organization, while antimicrobial compounds can produce corresponding changes in the imaged community. Comparing biomass, thickness, and distribution before and after such treatments helps researchers evaluate responses visually. These measurements also connect chemical conditions with how microorganisms interact with surrounding materials.
Useful measurements include total or relative biomass, biofilm thickness, spatial organization, and visible chemical gradients. Researchers can also compare the locations of cellular signals with extracellular polymeric substance signals when stains, probes, or labels distinguish them. Together, these outputs turn microscopy images into evidence about community architecture, composition, and changes caused by chemical conditions.
In chemistry, the method helps examine how biofilms form on surfaces, exchange substances, and bind minerals or pollutants. Those observations support research on corrosion and water treatment, where surface-associated microbial growth can affect material behavior or contaminant handling. The same measurements can guide biotechnology and the design of materials intended to control microbial attachment.