Dynamic visualization of extracellular matrix components in <i>S. aureus</i> colony biofilms reveals functional amyloids leading to the formation of cap-like structures.

ABSTRACT: Staphylococcus aureus infections represent a clinical challenge due to their propensity to form biofilms and the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance. The ability of S. aureus to form biofilm affects clinical outcome, but techniques to study extracellular matrix (ECM) in S. aureus biofilms are lacking. Here, we present an agar-based method in which the optotracer EbbaBiolight 680 (Ebba680) is used to visualize ECM formation alongside evaluation of colony growth dynamics in agar colonies. As models for colony biofilms, we use drop inoculation for macrocolony formation or spread-plating for single-cell derived colonies. Kinetic fluorescence spectroscopy combined with time-lapse microscopy showed bright fluorescence signals, revealing different spatial-temporal

SUBMITTER: Zhang T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12510064 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature