Revealing region-specific biofilm viscoelastic properties by means of a micro-rheological approach

Abstract

Analytics: A better look at biofilms Combining two distinct techniques allows analysis of the structure and physical properties of bacterial biofilms in fine detail. Eoin Casey and colleagues, from University College Dublin, Ireland, and the University of Hong Kong, applied a combined non-destructive procedure to cultured biofilms, for determining biofilm slimy properties and structural features. Tracking the movement of tiny fluorescent beads embedded in the biofilms yielded insights into their localised material properties. The same samples were also analysed using a laser-based imaging technique called confocal microscopy, which added additional structural insight to the biofilm samples. This combination allowed an improved regional understanding of the biofilms’ varying material and mechanical properties, including viscosity and elasticity. In future, the researchers hope to add chemical analysis into the mix, producing a method to search for better ways to treat and eradicate biofilms.