Rapid microbial viability assay using scanning electron microscopy: a proof-of-concept using Phosphotungstic acid staining.

ABSTRACT: Multiple stains have been historically utilized in electron microscopy to provide proper contrast and superior image quality enabling the discovery of ultrastructures. However, the use of these stains in microbiological viability assessment has been limited. Phosphotungstic acid (PTA) staining is a common negative stain used in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Here, we investigate the feasibility of a new SEM-PTA assay, aiming to determine both viable and dead microbes. The optimal sample preparation was established by staining bacteria with different PTA concentrations and incubation times. Once the assay conditions were set, we applied the protocol to various samples, evaluating bacterial viability under different conditions, and comparing SEM-PTA results to culture. The five minutes

SUBMITTER: Zmerli O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10371768 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature