Exploiting advances in imaging technology to study biofilms by applying multiphoton laser scanning microscopy as an imaging and manipulation tool

TY - JOUR

T1 - Exploiting advances in imaging technology to study biofilms by applying multiphoton laser scanning microscopy as an imaging and manipulation tool

AU - Lakins, M. A.

AU - Marrison, J. L.

AU - O'Toole, Peter John

AU - Van der Woude, M. W.

PY - 2009/8

Y1 - 2009/8

N2 - Biofilms are an important element of the natural ecosystems but can be detrimental in health care and industrial settings. To improve our ability to combat biofilms, we need to understand the processes that facilitate their formation and dispersal. One approach that has proven to be invaluable is to image biofilms as they grow. Here we describe tools and protocols to visualize biofilms with multiphoton laser scanning microscopy, compare this with single photon laser scanning confocal microscopy and highlight best working procedures. Furthermore, we describe how with multiphoton laser scanning microscopy the laser can be used to manipulate the biofilm, specifically to achieve localized bleaching, killing or ablation within the biofilm biomass. These applications open novel ways to study the dynamics of biofilm formation, regeneration and dispersal.

AB - Biofilms are an important element of the natural ecosystems but can be detrimental in health care and industrial settings. To improve our ability to combat biofilms, we need to understand the processes that facilitate their formation and dispersal. One approach that has proven to be invaluable is to image biofilms as they grow. Here we describe tools and protocols to visualize biofilms with multiphoton laser scanning microscopy, compare this with single photon laser scanning confocal microscopy and highlight best working procedures. Furthermore, we describe how with multiphoton laser scanning microscopy the laser can be used to manipulate the biofilm, specifically to achieve localized bleaching, killing or ablation within the biofilm biomass. These applications open novel ways to study the dynamics of biofilm formation, regeneration and dispersal.

KW - Biofilm

KW - Escherichia coli

KW - imaging

KW - method

KW - multiphoton laser scanning microscopy

KW - 2-PHOTON EXCITATION MICROSCOPY

KW - PSEUDOMONAS-AERUGINOSA

KW - BACTERIAL BIOFILMS

KW - FLUORESCENT PROTEINS

KW - BACILLUS-SUBTILIS

KW - EXPRESSION

KW - DIFFUSION

KW - MECHANISMS

KW - MIGRATION

KW - DYNAMICS

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=68349131202&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1111/j.1365-2818.2009.03190.x

DO - 10.1111/j.1365-2818.2009.03190.x

M3 - Article

C2 - 19659907

SN - 0022-2720

VL - 235

SP - 128

EP - 137

JO - Journal of Microscopy

JF - Journal of Microscopy

IS - 2

ER -