Combining Fluidic Devices with Microscopy and Flow Cytometry to Study Microbial Transport in Porous Media Across Spatial Scales

David Scheidweiler; Pietro De Anna; Tom J. Battin; Hannes Peter

doi:10.3791/60701

Combining Fluidic Devices with Microscopy and Flow Cytometry to Study Microbial Transport in Poro...

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Combining Fluidic Devices with Microscopy and Flow Cytometry to Study Microbial Transport in Porous Media Across Spatial Scales

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12:32 min

November 25, 2020

DOI: 10.3791/60701-v

David Scheidweiler^1,2, Pietro De Anna², Tom J. Battin¹, Hannes Peter¹

¹Stream Biofilm and Ecosystem Research Laboratory,École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, ²Institute of Earth Sciences,University of Lausanne, CH-1015

Overview

This article presents innovative tools for studying bacterial transport in porous media using microfluidic devices, microscopy, and flow cytometry. These methods allow researchers to investigate transport phenomena at various spatial scales.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Microbiology
Environmental Science
Fluid Dynamics

Background

Understanding bacterial transport is crucial for addressing contamination and disease spread.
Mathematical models are needed to analyze transport at single-cell and community levels.
Microfluidic devices enhance the study of bacterial behavior in controlled environments.
Combining microscopy and flow cytometry provides comprehensive insights into bacterial dynamics.

Purpose of Study

To develop tools for studying bacterial transport in porous systems.
To explore transport phenomena at different spatial scales.
To provide a protocol for researchers with experience in microscopy and flow cytometry.

Methods Used

Microfluidic devices for controlled experiments.
Microscopy for visualizing bacterial movement.
Flow cytometry for quantifying bacterial populations.
Integration of techniques to study transport dynamics.

Main Results

Successful demonstration of bacterial transport using the developed tools.
Insights into the behavior of bacteria in porous media.
Potential applications in bioremediation and disease control.
Establishment of a framework for future research in microbial transport.

Conclusions

The combination of microfluidics, microscopy, and flow cytometry is effective for studying bacterial transport.
These methods can enhance understanding of microbial dynamics in various environments.
Further research can build on these findings to address environmental and health-related challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are breakthrough curves (BTCs)?

BTCs are tools used to study the transport of bacteria in porous media.

Why is studying bacterial transport important?

It is crucial for understanding contamination, disease spread, and bioremediation efforts.

What skills are recommended for this study?

Experience in microscopy, image processing, microfluidic design, and flow cytometry is suggested.

What methods are used in this study?

Microfluidic devices, microscopy, and flow cytometry are the primary methods employed.

What are the potential applications of this research?

The findings can be applied in bioremediation and controlling the spread of diseases.

How can these tools enhance research?

They allow for detailed analysis of bacterial transport phenomena at various scales.

Breakthrough curves (BTCs) are efficient tools to study the transport of bacteria in porous media. Here we introduce tools based on fluidic devices in combination with microscopy and flow cytometric counting to obtain BTCs.

Studying the transport of bacteria in porous systems is important with regards to contamination, spread of disease, and bioremediation. For these experiments in mathematical models operating at the single cell, the population and the microbial community level are required. Here we present tools to study bacterial transport using microfluidic devices and microscopy, as well as larger devices in combination with flow cytometry.

The combination of microfluidic devices with microscopy and flow cytometry offers a range of possibilities to study bacterial transport phenomena at different spatial scales. In order to fully explore this protocol, it is suggested to have previous experience in microscopy, basic image processing, designing microfluidic devices, and mastering flow cytometry. This video describes two methods to study bacterial transport at different spatial scales.

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