Biofilms: An ESEM Evaluation of Artifacts Introduced During SEM Preparation

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-1991

Department

Biological Sciences

School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Abstract

Descriptions of biofilms and their elemental compositions based on scanning electron micrographs and energy dispersive x-ray analysis cannot be related to the original condition of the biofilm on the surface. Solvent replacement of water removes extracellular polymeric material and reduces the concentration of elements bound within the biofilm. In the wet state, bacteria and microalgae are enmeshed in a gelatinous film that is either removed or dried to a thin inconspicuous residue during sample preparation for scanning electron microscopy. The environmental scanning electron microscope provides a fast, accurate image of biofilms, their spatial relationship to the substratum and elemental composition.

Publication Title

Journal of Industrial Microbiology

Volume

8

Issue

4

First Page

213

Last Page

221

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