The use of ultrasonic imaging to evaluate the effect of protozoan grazing and movement on the topography of bacterial biofilms |
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Authors: | Parry J D Holmes A K Unwin M E Laybourn-Parry J |
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Affiliation: | Department of Biological Sciences, The Lancaster Environment Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK. j.parry@lancaster.ac.uk |
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Abstract: | AIMS: This study evaluated the effect of protozoan movement and grazing on the topography of a dual-bacterial biofilm using both conventional light microscopy and a new ultrasonic technique. METHODS AND RESULTS: Coupons of dialysis membrane were incubated in Chalkley's medium for 3 days at 23 degrees C in the presence of bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella aerogenes) alone, or in co-culture with the flagellate Bodo designis, the ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis or the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii. Amoebic presence resulted in a confluent biofilm similar to the bacteria-only biofilm while the flagellate and ciliate created more diverse biofilm topographies comprising bacterial microcolonies and cavities. CONCLUSIONS: The four distinct biofilm topographies were successfully discerned with ultrasonic imaging and the method yielded information similar to that obtained with conventional light microscopy. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Ultrasonic imaging provides a potential way forward in the development of a portable, nondestructive technique for profiling the topography of biofilms in situ, which might aid in the future management of biofouling. |
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Keywords: | Biofilm microcolonies protozoa topography ultrasonic |
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