An In Vitro Model of Nonattached Biofilm-Like Bacterial Aggregates Based on Magnetic Levitation.
Abstract
Chronic infections are associated with the formation of nonattached biofilm-like aggregates. In vitro models of surface-attached biofilms do not always accurately mimic these processes. Here, we tested a new approach to create in vitro nonattached bacterial aggregates using the principle of magnetic levitation of biological objects placed into a magnetic field gradient. Bacteria grown under magnetic levitation conditions formed nonattached aggregates that were studied with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and characterized quantitatively. Nonattached aggregates consisted of bacteria submerged into an extracellular matrix and demonstrated features characteristic of biofilms, such as a polymeric matrix that binds Ruby Red and Congo red dyes, a prerequisite of bacterial growth, and increased resistance to gentamicin. Three quantitative parameters were explored to characterize strain-specific potential to form nonattached aggregates: geometric sizes, relative quantities of aggregated and free-swimming bacteria, and Congo red binding. Among three tested Escherichia coli strains, one strain formed nonattached aggregates poorly, and for this strain, all three of the considered parameters...Continue Reading
References
Modification of the Congo red agar method to detect biofilm production by Staphylococcus epidermidis
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