Vigour, vitality and viability of microorganisms |
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| Authors: | David Lloyd Anthony J Hayes |
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| Institution: | Microbiology Group (PABIO), University of Wales College of Cardiff, P.O. Box 915. Cardiff CF1 3TL, Wales, UK; Anatomy Unit, School of Molecular and Medical Biosciences, Unirersity of Wales College of Cardiff, P.O. Box 911. Cardiff CF1 3YE, Wales, UK |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Assessment of the vigour, vitality or viability of microorganisms must be done on an individual basis and thus requires the non-invasive interrogation of single organisms. For suspended organisms, flow cytometry provides a powerful means of measurement of a wide range of characteristics. Similar information for microbes in aggregates or growing on surfaces may be obtained by use of confocal scanning laser microscopy. For instance, membrane potential-sensitive fluorophores can distinguish between vigorous, frail and dead cells. |
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| Keywords: | Flow cytometry Viability Vitality Membrane potential Cryptobiosis Confocal laser scanning microscopy |
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