JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments
Microbiology
0 views • 2:24 min • February 2nd, 2026
Begin with an anesthetized mouse featuring two full-thickness excisional skin wounds on the dorsum, with both the epidermal and dermal layers surgically removed.
A transparent film dressing covers the wounds to isolate the site and prevent external contamination.
Allow the mouse to recover for a defined period.
During this time, the blood containing different components enters the wound. This activates platelets, triggering the assembly of a provisional matrix composed of fibrin, fibronectin, and proteoglycans, and initiates blood clot formation.
Re-anesthetize the mouse and inject saline into each flank to maintain hydration.
Next, inject a defined dose of a luminescent strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa through the film into each wound.
The bacteria settle within the provisional matrix, which supports their attachment and growth.
Together, the matrix and film dressing provide a favorable environment for biofilm formation, resulting in a localized chronic infection.
Record the luminescence to monitor the bacterial infection.
24 hours after the surgery, weigh the re-anesthetized mouse again and inject the animal subcutaneously with 250 microliters of pre-warmed sterile 0.9% sodium chloride in
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