Comparison of Preparation Methods of Bacterial Cell-Mineral Aggregates for SEM Imaging and Analysis Using the Model System of Acidovorax sp. BoFeN1 |
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| Authors: | Fabian Zeitvogel Claus J Burkhardt Birgit Schroeppel Gregor Schmid Pablo Ingino Martin Obst |
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| Institution: | 1. Center for Applied Geosciences, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany;2. Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, Germany;3. Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research, Bayreuth University, Bayreuth, Germany |
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| Abstract: | Innovative microanalytical methods are valuable tools in geomicrobiology. They often require the use of dried samples, demanding a challenging sample preparation. Since geomicrobiological samples typically have a strongly heterogeneous composition, choosing a preparation method is not straightforward. We therefore compared how different drying methods (critical point drying, hexamethyldisilazane drying, air drying and freeze drying) influence the structure of bacterial cell-mineral aggregates. Each method proved suitable for a specific purpose, but none was able to completely preserve the sample structure. Additional information was obtained on surface alterations by sputter coating and on preservation of extracellular polymeric substances during resin embedding. |
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| Keywords: | Cell-mineral aggregates critical point drying extracellular polymeric substances freeze drying preparation artifacts |
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