New methods for analysis of spatial distribution and coaggregation of microbial populations in complex biofilms.

ABSTRACT: In biofilms, microbial activities form gradients of substrates and electron acceptors, creating a complex landscape of microhabitats, often resulting in structured localization of the microbial populations present. To understand the dynamic interplay between and within these populations, quantitative measurements and statistical analysis of their localization patterns within the biofilms are necessary, and adequate automated tools for such analyses are needed. We have designed and applied new methods for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and digital image analysis of directionally dependent (anisotropic) multispecies biofilms. A sequential-FISH approach allowed multiple populations to be detected in a biofilm sample. This was combined with an automated tool for vertical-distributio

SUBMITTER: Almstrand R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3811375 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature