I miei ringraziamenti a Sherry Kuchma, Pete Newell e Robert Shanks per aver fornito le immagini in Figura 1. Questo lavoro è stato sostenuto da NIH concedere R01AI083256 al GAO

1. Crescita di un biofilm <ol><li> Crescere una cultura della wild-type Pseudomonas aeruginosa o ceppo mutante durante la notte in un terreno ricco (LB cioè) </li><li> Diluire gli oltre 1:100 cultura notte in mezzo fresco per saggi biofilm. Uno standard dosaggio medio biofilm per P. aeruginosa è M63 terreno minimo integrato con solfato di magnesio, glucosio e acidi casamino (vedi tabella). In alternativa biofilm promuovere mezzo che stimola la crescita planctonici meno e un biofilm più robusto, il glucosio e acidi casamino può essere sostituito con arginina come il carbonio e unica fonte di energia. </li><li> Aggiungere 100 microlitri della diluizione per bene in un piatto da 96 pozzetti. Per le analisi quantitative, di solito uso pozzi 4-8 repliche per ogni trattamento. </li><li> Incubare la micropiastra per 4-24 ore a 37 ° C. </li></ol> 2. La colorazione del biofilm <ol><li> Dopo l&#39;incubazione, le cellule discarica ruotando la piastra su e scuotendo il liquido. </li><li> Immergere delicatamente la piastra in una vasca d&#39;acqua (ad esempio, utilizzare il fondo delle scatole pipetta punta per P1000 pipetmen come la vasca). Vuotare l&#39;acqua. Ripetere la procedura una seconda volta. Questo passaggio consente di rimuovere le cellule distaccato e componenti multimediali che possono essere colorati nel passaggio successivo, e riduce in modo significativo la colorazione di fondo. </li><li> Aggiungere 125 ml di una soluzione 0,1% del cristalvioletto in acqua per ciascun pozzetto della micropiastra. Indossare guanti ed un camice da laboratorio rendendo la soluzione. Prestare attenzione nel valutare i CV come la polvere igroscopici e facilmente le macchie abbigliamento, pelle, ecc </li><li> Incubare la micropiastra a temperatura ambiente per 10-15 min. </li><li> Risciacquare più volte il piatto 3-4 con l&#39;acqua immergendo in una vasca di acqua come sopra, scuotere vigorosamente e asciugare su una pila di carta assorbente per eliminare la placca di tutte le cellule in eccesso e tintura. </li><li> Girare la micropiastra capovolta e secco per alcune ore o durante la notte. </li><li> Per le analisi qualitative, i pozzetti possono essere fotografati a secco. </li></ol> 3. Quantificare il biofilm <ol><li> Aggiungere 125 ml di 30% di acido acetico in acqua in ciascun pozzetto della piastra di microtitolazione per solubilizzare il CV. </li><li> Incubare la micropiastra a temperatura ambiente per 10-15 min. </li><li> Trasferire 125 microlitri della CV solubilizzato a un nuovo fondo piatto piatto microtitolazione. </li><li> Quantificare assorbanza in un lettore di piastre a 550 nm con 30% di acido acetico in acqua come il vuoto. </li></ol> 4. Rappresentante dei risultati: <img src="/files/ftp_upload/2437/2437fig1.jpg" alt="Figura 1" /> Figura 1. Evidenzia un risultato rappresentativo per i test eseguiti per la formazione di biofilm Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens e Staphylococcus aureus. (A) Una vista laterale del bene con un biofilm di P. aeruginosa (8 ore, 37 ° C). (B) Una vista laterale del bene con un biofilm di P. fluorescens (6 ore, 30 ° C). (C) Un top-down vista del biofilm formato da S. aureus in un piatto fondo micropiastra (due pozzi, 24 ore, 37 ° C). P. aeruginosa e P. fluorescens sono entrambi organismi mobili e formano un biofilm all&#39;interfaccia aria-liquido. S. aureus è non-mobili e forma un biofilm sul fondo del pozzo.

<ol>
	<li>O'Toole, G. A., Kolter, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Initiation+of+biofilm+formation+in+Pseudomonas+fluorescens+WCS365+proceeds+via+multiple,+convergent+signalling+pathways:+a+genetic+analysis.">Initiation of biofilm formation in Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS365 proceeds via multiple, convergent signalling pathways: a genetic analysis.</a> Mol. Microbiol. 28, 449-461 (1998).</li><li>O'Toole, G. A., Doyle, R. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Methods in Enzymology. , 91-109 (1999).</li><li>Mah, T. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+genetic+basis+for+Pseudomonas+aeruginosa+biofilm+antibiotic+resistance.">A genetic basis for Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm antibiotic resistance.</a> Nature. 426, 306-310 (2003).</li><li>Kuchma, S. L., Connolly, J. P., O'Toole, G. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+three-component+regulatory+system+regulates+biofilm+maturation+and+type+III+secretion+in+Pseudomonas+aeruginosa.">A three-component regulatory system regulates biofilm maturation and type III secretion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.</a> J Bacteriol. 187, 1441-1454 (2005).</li><li>Caiazza, N. C., O'Toole, G. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=SadB+is+required+for+the+transition+from+reversible+to+irreversible+attachment+during+biofilm+formation+by+Pseudomonas+aeruginosa+PA14.">SadB is required for the transition from reversible to irreversible attachment during biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14.</a> J Bacteriol. 186, 4476-4485 (2004).</li><li>Shanks, R. M., Sargent, J. L., Martinez, R. M., Graber, M. L., O'Toole, G. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Catheter+lock+solutions+influence+staphylococcal+biofilm+formation+on+abiotic+surfaces.">Catheter lock solutions influence staphylococcal biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces.</a> Nephrol Dial Transplant. 21, 2247-2255 (2006).</li><li>Caiazza, N. C., Merritt, J. H., Brothers, K. M., O'Toole, G. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inverse+regulation+of+biofilm+formation+and+swarming+motility+by+Pseudomonas+aeruginosa+PA14.">Inverse regulation of biofilm formation and swarming motility by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14.</a> J. Bacteriol. 189, 3603-3612 (2007).</li><li>Hinsa, S. M., Espinosa-Urgel, M., Ramos, J. L., O'Toole, G. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transition+from+reversible+to+irreversible+attachment+during+biofilm+formation+by+Pseudomonas+fluorescens+WCS365+requires+an+ABC+transporter+and+a+large+secreted+protein.">Transition from reversible to irreversible attachment during biofilm formation by Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS365 requires an ABC transporter and a large secreted protein.</a> Mol Microbiol. 49, 905-918 (2003).</li><li>Mack, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+transposon+mutants+of+biofilm-producing+Staphylococcus+epidermidis+impaired+in+the+accumulative+phase+of+biofilm+production:+genetic+identification+of+a+hexosamine-containing+polysaccharide+intracellular+adhesin.">Characterization of transposon mutants of biofilm-producing Staphylococcus epidermidis impaired in the accumulative phase of biofilm production: genetic identification of a hexosamine-containing polysaccharide intracellular adhesin.</a> Infect. Immun. 62, 3244-3253 (1994).</li><li>Vidal, O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+of+an+Escherichia+coli+K-12+mutant+strain+able+to+form+biofilms+on+inert+surfaces:+involvement+of+a+new+ompR+allele+that+increases+curli+expression.">Isolation of an Escherichia coli K-12 mutant strain able to form biofilms on inert surfaces: involvement of a new ompR allele that increases curli expression.</a> J. Bacteriol. 180, 2442-2449 (1998).</li><li>Junker, L. M., Clardy, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=High-throughput+screens+for+small-molecule+inhibitors+of+Pseudomonas+aeruginosa+biofilm+development.">High-throughput screens for small-molecule inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm development.</a> Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 51, 3582-3590 (2007).</li></ol>

Nessun conflitto di interessi dichiarati.

Questo metodo può essere modificato per essere utilizzato con una grande varietà di specie microbiche. Microbi mobili tipicamente aderire alle pareti e / o fondo dei pozzi, mentre non mobili microbi tipicamente aderire al fondo dei pozzetti. Le condizioni ottimali per la formazione di biofilm (cioè, terreno di coltura, temperatura, tempo di incubazione) devono essere determinati empiricamente per ogni microbo. Vi consiglio l&#39;esecuzione di più repliche per ogni ceppo o condizione (4-8), e tra un controllo positiv...

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<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">	
		
		<div>
		<table border="1">
		<thead>
		<tr>
		<th>Material Name</th>
		<th>Type</th>
		<th>Company</th>
		<th>Catalogue Number</th>
		<th>Comment</th>
		</tr>
		</thead>
		<tbody>
		
<tr>
<td>1 X M63</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Prepare as a 5X M63 stock by dissolving 15g KH2PO4, 35g K2HPO4 and 10g (NH4)2SO4 in 1 L of water. This stock does not need to be autoclaved and can be stored at room temperature. Dilute 5X stock 1:5, autoclave, cool, then add the desired components.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KH2PO4</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fisher</td>
<td>P285-500</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>K2HPO4</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fisher</td>
<td>P288-500</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>(NH4)2SO4</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Sigma</td>
<td>A5132</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Magnesium sulfate</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fisher</td>
<td>M63-500</td>
<td>Add to 1 mM final concentration. Prepare as a 1 M stock in water and autoclave.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Glucose</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fisher</td>
<td>D16-3</td>
<td>Add to 0.2% final concentration. Prepare as a 20% stock in water and autoclave.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Casamino acids</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Beckton-Dickinson</td>
<td>223050</td>
<td>Add to 0.5% final concentration. Prepare as a 20% stock in water and autoclave.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arginine</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Sigma</td>
<td>A5131</td>
<td>Add to 0.4% final concentration. Prepare as a 20% stock in water and filter sterilize. This alternative carbon/energy source can replace glucose and casamino acids</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microtiter plates</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Beckton-Dickinson</td>
<td>353911</td>
<td>Falcon 3911, Microtest III, Flexible assay plates, 96 well, U-bottom, non-sterile, non-tissue-culture treated.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microtiter plate lids</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Beckton-Dickinson</td>
<td>353913</td>
<td>The lids can be reused by cleaning with 95% ethanol in water.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Crystal violet</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Sigma</td>
<td>229641000</td>
<td>Prepare as a 0.1% solution in water.</td>
</tr>		</tbody>
		</table>
		</div>

microtiter dish biofilm formation assay

I biofilm sono comunità di microbi attaccati alle superfici, che si trova in campo medico, industriale e naturale. In realtà, la vita in un biofilm rappresenta probabilmente la modalità predominante di crescita per i microbi nella maggior parte degli ambienti. Biofilm mature hanno alcune caratteristiche distinte. Microbi biofilm sono in genere circondate da una matrice extracellulare che fornisce la struttura e la protezione per la comunità. I microbi che crescono in un biofilm hanno anche una caratteristica architettura generalmente costituiti da macrocolonies (contenente migliaia di cellule) circondato da piene di liquido canali. Biofilm cresciuto microbi sono anche noti per la loro resistenza a una vasta gamma di agenti antimicrobici, inclusi gli antibiotici clinicamente rilevanti. Il test piatto micropiastra è uno strumento importante per lo studio delle prime fasi di formazione di biofilm, ed è stato applicato principalmente per lo studio dei biofilm batterici, anche se questo test è stato utilizzato anche per studiare la formazione di biofilm fungine. Poiché questo test utilizza statica, batch condizioni di crescita, non consentono la formazione di biofilm maturo tipicamente associati ai sistemi di cella di flusso. Tuttavia, il test si è dimostrato efficace a individuare molti fattori necessari per l&#39;inizio della formazione di biofilm (cioè, flagelli, pili, adesine, enzimi coinvolti nella ciclico-di-GMP vincolanti e metabolismo) e così come i geni coinvolti nella produzione di polisaccaridi extracellulari. Inoltre, opera pubblicata indica che i biofilm cresciuto in piatti microtitolazione si sviluppano alcune proprietà di biofilm maturo, una tale tolleranza agli antibiotici e la resistenza alle effettori del sistema immunitario. Questo semplice test piatto microtitolazione consente la formazione di un biofilm sulla parete e / o fondo di un piatto di microtitolazione. La natura elevato throughput del test lo rende utile per schermi genetico, così come la formazione di biofilm test da ceppi diversi, in condizioni di crescita diverse. Le varianti di questo test sono stati utilizzati per valutare la formazione di biofilm presto per una grande varietà di microbi, inclusi ma non limitati a, Pseudomonas, Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, staphylocci, enterococchi, micobatteri e funghi. Nel protocollo qui descritto, ci concentreremo sull&#39;uso di questo test per studiare la formazione di biofilm da Pseudomonas aeruginosa organismo modello. In questo saggio, l&#39;estensione della formazione di biofilm è misurata utilizzando il colorante cristal violetto (CV). Tuttavia, una serie di altre macchie colorimetriche e metabolici sono stati segnalati per la quantificazione della formazione di biofilm utilizzando il test micropiastra. L&#39;, facilità a basso costo e flessibilità del dosaggio micropiastra ha reso uno strumento fondamentale per lo studio dei biofilm.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Microtiter Dish Biofilm Formation Assay at JoVE.com

Microtiter Dish Biofilm Formation Assay

Il saggio descrive un modo rapido per misurare la rapida formazione di biofilm in batteri e funghi. Questo metodo utilizza una micropiastra come substrato per la formazione di biofilm microbico, e il biofilm viene visualizzato per mezzo viola ceppo di cristallo. Il saggio fornisce sia un test qualitativo o quantitativo per la formazione di biofilm presto.

Microtitolazione Dish Biofilm saggio Formazione

Biofilms are communities of microbes attached to surfaces, which can be found in medical, industrial and natural settings.  In fact, life in a biofilm ...

Research

JoVE Journal

Immunology and Infection

107.8K Views.  Dartmouth Medical School. Il saggio descrive un modo rapido per misurare la rapida formazione di biofilm in batteri e funghi. Questo metodo utilizza una micropiastra come substrato per la formazione di biofilm microbico, e il biofilm viene visualizzato per mezzo viola ceppo di cristallo. Il saggio fornisce sia un test qualitativo o quantitativo per la formazione di biofilm presto.

Video: Microtiter Dish Biofilm Formation Assay

A 96 Well Microtiter Plate-based Method for Monitoring Formation and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida albicans Biofilms

Candida albicans remains the most frequent cause of fungal infections in an expanding population of compromised patients and candidiasis is now the third most common infection in US hospitals. Different manifestations of candidiasis are associated with biofilm formation, both on host tissues and/or medical devices (i.e. catheters). Biofilm formation carries negative clinical implications, as cells within the biofilms are protected from host immune responses and from the action of antifungals. We have developed a simple, fast and robust in vitro model for the formation of C. albicans biofilms using 96 well microtiter-plates, which can also be used for biofilm antifungal susceptibility testing. The readout of this assay is colorimetric, based on the reduction of XTT (a tetrazolium salt) by metabolically active fungal biofilm cells. A typical experiment takes approximately 24 h for biofilm formation, with an additional 24 h for antifungal susceptibility testing. Because of its simplicity and the use of commonly available laboratory materials and equipment, this technique democratizes biofilm research and represents an important step towards the standardization of antifungal susceptibility testing of fungal biofilms.

A 96 Well Microtiter Plate-based Method for Monitoring Formation and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida albicans Biofilms

We describe a simple, rapid and robust method for the formation of Candida albicans biofilms using 96 well microtiter plates and its utility in antifungal susceptibility testing of cells within biofilms.

A 96 Beh microtest piastra a base di Metodo per la Formazione di monitoraggio e test di suscettibilità antifungini Candida albicans Biofilm

Candida albicans remains the most frequent cause of fungal infections in an expanding population of compromised patients and candidiasis is now the third ...

Ricerca

Immunologia e infezioni

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Biofilm in Flow Cells

Many microbial cells have the ability to form sessile microbial communities defined as biofilms that have altered physiological and pathological properties compared to free living microorganisms. Biofilms in nature are often difficult to investigate and reside under poorly defined conditions1. Using a transparent substratum it is possible to device a system where simple biofilms can be examined in a non-destructive way in real-time: here we demonstrate the assembly and operation of a flow cell model system, for in vitro 3D studies of microbial biofilms generating high reproducibility under well-defined conditions2,3.
The system consists of a flow cell that serves as growth chamber for the biofilm. The flow cell is supplied with nutrients and oxygen from a medium flask via a peristaltic pump and spent medium is collected in a waste container. This construction of the flow system allows a continuous supply of nutrients and administration of e.g. antibiotics with minimal disturbance of the cells grown in the flow chamber. Moreover, the flow conditions within the flow cell allow studies of biofilm exposed to shear stress. A bubble trapping device confines air bubbles from the tubing which otherwise could disrupt the biofilm structure in the flow cell.
The flow cell system is compatible with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and can thereby provide highly detailed 3D information about developing microbial biofilms. Cells in the biofilm can be labeled with fluorescent probes or proteins compatible with CLSM analysis. This enables online visualization and allows investigation of niches in the developing biofilm. Microbial interrelationship, investigation of antimicrobial agents or the expression of specific genes, are of the many experimental setups that can be investigated in the flow cell system.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Biofilm in Flow Cells

Protocol describing the application of a flow cell system for growing and analyzing microbial biofilms for Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM).

Pseudomonas aeruginosa e biofilm Saccharomyces cerevisiae in celle di flusso

Many microbial cells have the ability to form sessile microbial communities defined as biofilms that have altered physiological and pathological ...

In vitro Biofilm Formation in an 8-well Chamber Slide

The chronic nature of many diseases is attributed to the formation of bacterial biofilms which are recalcitrant to traditional antibiotic therapy. Biofilms are community-associated bacteria attached to a surface and encased in a matrix. The role of the extracellular matrix is multifaceted, including facilitating nutrient acquisition, and offers significant protection against environmental stresses (e.g. host immune responses). In an effort to acquire a better understanding as to how the bacteria within a biofilm respond to environmental stresses we have used a protocol wherein we visualize bacterial biofilms which have formed in an 8-well chamber slide. The biofilms were stained with the BacLight Live/Dead stain and examined using a confocal microscope to characterize the relative biofilm size, and structure under varying incubation conditions. Z-stack images were collected via confocal microscopy and analyzed by COMSTAT. This protocol can be used to help elucidate the mechanism and kinetics by which biofilms form, as well as identify components that are important to biofilm structure and stability.

In vitro Biofilm Formation in an 8-well Chamber Slide

This article describes the procedure for the formation and visualization of a bacterial biofilm grown within an 8-well chamber slide

Nella formazione di biofilm in vitro in un 8-bene scorrere Camera

The chronic nature of many diseases is attributed to the formation of bacterial biofilms which are recalcitrant to traditional antibiotic therapy. ...

Deciphering and Imaging Pathogenesis and Cording of Mycobacterium abscessus in Zebrafish Embryos

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos are increasingly used as an infection model to study the function of the vertebrate innate immune system in host-pathogen interactions.&#160;The ease of obtaining large numbers of embryos, their accessibility due to external development, their optical transparency as well as the availability of a wide panoply of genetic/immunological tools and transgenic reporter line collections, contribute to the versatility of this model.&#160;In this respect, the present manuscript describes the use of zebrafish as an&#160;in vivo&#160;model system to investigate the chronology of Mycobacterium abscessus infection. This human pathogen can exist either as smooth (S) or rough (R) variants, depending on cell wall composition, and their respective virulence can be imaged and compared in zebrafish embryos and larvae. Micro-injection of either S or R fluorescent variants directly in the blood circulation via the caudal vein, leads to chronic or acute/lethal infections, respectively. This biological system allows high resolution visualization and analysis of the role of mycobacterial cording in promoting abscess formation. In addition, the use of fluorescent bacteria along with transgenic zebrafish lines harbouring fluorescent macrophages produces a unique opportunity for multi-color imaging of the host-pathogen interactions. This article describes detailed protocols for the preparation of homogenous M. abscessus inoculum and for intravenous injection of zebrafish embryos for subsequent fluorescence imaging of the interaction with macrophages. These techniques open the avenue to future investigations involving mutants defective in cord formation and are dedicated to understand how this impacts on M. abscessus pathogenicity in a whole vertebrate.

Deciphering and Imaging Pathogenesis and Cording of Mycobacterium abscessus in Zebrafish Embryos

Optically transparent zebrafish embryos are widely used to study and visualize in real time the interactions between pathogenic microorganisms and the innate immune cells. Micro-injection of Mycobacterium abscessus, combined with fluorescence imaging, is used to scrutinize essential pathogenic features such as cord formation in zebrafish embryos.

Decifrare e Imaging Patogenesi e Cording di<em&gt; Mycobacterium abscessus</em&gt; In Zebrafish embrioni

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos are increasingly used as an infection model to study the function of the vertebrate innate immune system in host-pathogen ...

Targeting Biofilm Associated Staphylococcus aureus Using Resazurin Based Drug-susceptibility Assay

Most pathogenic bacteria are able to form biofilms during infection, but due to the difficulty of manipulating and assessing biofilms, the vast majority of laboratory work is conducted with planktonic cells. Here, we describe a peg plate biofilm assay as performed with Staphylococcus aureus. Bacterial biofilms are grown on pegs attached to a 96-well microtiter plate lid, washed through gentle submersion in buffer, and placed in a drug challenge plate. After subsequent incubation they are again washed and moved to a final recovery plate, in which the fluorescent dye resazurin serves as a viability indicator. This assay offers greatly increased ease-of-use, reliability, and reproducibility, as well as a wealth of data when conducted as a kinetic read. Moreover, this assay can be adapted to a medium-throughput drug screening approach by which an endpoint fluorescent readout is taken instead, offering a path for drug discovery efforts.

Targeting Biofilm Associated Staphylococcus aureus Using Resazurin Based Drug-susceptibility Assay

Most bacterial infections produce a biofilm. By virtue of their environment, biofilm associated bacteria are often phenotypically drug resistant. Novel antibacterial molecules that kill bacteria in biofilms are thus a high priority. We establish an assay to quickly screen for antimicrobial compounds that are effective at eradicating biofilms.

Targeting biofilm Associated<em&gt; Staphylococcus aureus</em&gt; Uso resazurina base Assay farmaco-sensibilità

Most pathogenic bacteria are able to form biofilms during infection, but due to the difficulty of manipulating and assessing biofilms, the vast majority ...

"Phagosome Closure Assay" to Visualize Phagosome Formation in Three Dimensions Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescent Microscopy (TIRFM)

Phagocytosis is a mechanism used by specialized cells to internalize and eliminate microorganisms or cellular debris. It relies on profound rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton that is the driving force for plasma membrane extension around the particle. In addition, efficient engulfment of large material relies on focal exocytosis of intracellular compartments. This process is highly dynamic and numerous molecular players have been described to have a role during phagocytic cup formation. The precise regulation in time and space of all of these molecules, however, remains elusive. In addition, the last step of phagosome closure has been very difficult to observe because inhibition by RNA interference or dominant negative mutants often results in stalled phagocytic cup formation. 
We have set up a dedicated experimental approach using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) combined with epifluorescence to monitor step by step the extension of pseudopods and their tips in a phagosome growing around a particle loosely bound to a coverslip. This method allows us to observe, with high resolution the very tips of the pseudopods and their fusion during closure of the phagosome in living cells for two different fluorescently tagged proteins at the same time.

"Phagosome Closure Assay" to Visualize Phagosome Formation in Three Dimensions Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescent Microscopy TIRFM

We describe an experimental setup to visualize with unprecedented high resolution phagosome formation and closure in three dimensions in living macrophages, using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. It allows monitoring of the base of the phagocytic cup, the extending pseudopods, as well as the precise site of phagosome scission.

&quot;Phagosome chiusura Assay&quot; per visualizzare phagosome Formazione in tre dimensioni utilizzando la riflessione totale interna fluorescente Microscopy (TIRFM)

Phagocytosis is a mechanism used by specialized cells to internalize and eliminate microorganisms or cellular debris. It relies on profound rearrangements ...

Visualizing the Effects of Sputum on Biofilm Development Using a Chambered Coverglass Model

Biofilms consist of groups of bacteria encased in a self-secreted matrix. They play an important role in industrial contamination as well as in the development and persistence of many health related infections. One of the most well described and studied biofilms in human disease occurs in chronic pulmonary infection of cystic fibrosis patients. When studying biofilms in the context of the host, many factors can impact biofilm formation and development. In order to identify how host factors may affect biofilm formation and development, we used a static chambered coverglass method to grow biofilms in the presence of host-derived factors in the form of sputum supernatants. Bacteria are seeded into chambers and exposed to sputum filtrates. Following 48 hr of growth, biofilms are stained with a commercial biofilm viability kit prior to confocal microscopy and analysis. Following image acquisition, biofilm properties can be assessed using different software platforms. This method allows us to visualize key properties of biofilm growth in presence of different substances including antibiotics.

This protocol describes the visualization of biofilm development following exposure to host-factors using a slide chamber model. This model allows for direct visualization of biofilm development as well as analysis of biofilm parameters using computer software programs.

Visualizzare gli effetti di espettorato su biofilm di sviluppo utilizzando un modello Chambered coprioggetti

Biofilms consist of groups of bacteria encased in a self-secreted matrix. They play an important role in industrial contamination as well as in the ...

Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device

Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen of humans, causing about 15% of hospital-acquired sepsis cases. A major virulence attribute of C. albicans is its ability to form biofilms, structured communities of cells attached to biotic and abiotic surfaces. C. albicans biofilms can form on host tissues, such as mucosal layers, and on medical devices, such as catheters, pacemakers, dentures, and joint prostheses. Biofilms pose significant clinical challenges because they are highly resistant to physical and chemical perturbations, and can act as reservoirs to seed disseminated infections. Various in vitro assays have been utilized to study C. albicans biofilm formation, such as microtiter plate assays, dry weight measurements, cell viability assays, and confocal scanning laser microscopy. All of these assays are single end-point assays, where biofilm formation is assessed at a specific time point. Here, we describe a protocol to study biofilm formation in real-time using an automated microfluidic device under laminar flow conditions. This method allows for the observation of biofilm formation as the biofilm develops over time, using customizable conditions that mimic those of the host, such as those encountered in vascular catheters. This protocol can be used to assess the biofilm defects of genetic mutants as well as the inhibitory effects of antimicrobial agents on biofilm development in real-time.

Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device

This protocol describes the use of a customizable automated microfluidic device to visualize biofilm formation in Candida albicans under host physiological conditions.

Visualizzazione della formazione di Biofilm in Candida albicans utilizzando un dispositivo microfluidico automatizzato

Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen of humans, causing about 15% of hospital-acquired sepsis cases. A major virulence attribute of C. ...

Bile Salt-induced Biofilm Formation in Enteric Pathogens: Techniques for Identification and Quantification

Biofilm formation is a dynamic, multistage process that occurs in bacteria under harsh environmental conditions or times of stress. For enteric pathogens, a significant stress response is induced during gastrointestinal transit and upon bile exposure, a normal component of human digestion. To overcome the bactericidal effects of bile, many enteric pathogens form a biofilm hypothesized to permit survival when transiting through the small intestine. Here we present methodologies to define biofilm formation through solid-phase adherence assays as well as extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix detection and visualization. Furthermore, biofilm dispersion assessment is presented to mimic the analysis of events triggering release of bacteria during the infection process. Crystal violet staining is used to detect adherent bacteria in a high-throughput 96-well plate adherence assay. EPS production assessment is determined by two assays, namely microscopy staining of the EPS matrix and semi-quantitative analysis with a fluorescently-conjugated polysaccharide binding lectin. Finally, biofilm dispersion is measured through colony counts and plating. Positive data from multiple assays support the characterization of biofilms and can be utilized to identify bile salt-induced biofilm formation in other bacterial strains.

This protocol enables the reader to analyze bile salt-induced biofilm formation in enteric pathogens using a multifaceted approach to capture the dynamic nature of bacterial biofilms by assessing adherence, extracellular polymeric substance matrix formation, and dispersion.

Formazione di Biofilm indotta da sali biliari in patogeni enterici: tecniche di identificazione e quantificazione

Biofilm formation is a dynamic, multistage process that occurs in bacteria under harsh environmental conditions or times of stress. For enteric pathogens, ...

A High-throughput Assay to Assess and Quantify Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are immunogenic extracellular DNA structures that can be released by neutrophils upon a wide variety of triggers. NETs have been demonstrated to serve as an important host defense mechanism that traps and kills microorganisms. On the other hand, they have been implicated in diverse systemic autoimmune diseases. NETs are immunogenic and toxic structures that contain a pool of relevant autoantigens including anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Different forms of NETs can be induced depending on the stimulus. The amount of NETs can be quantified using different techniques including measuring DNA release in supernatants, measuring DNA-complexed with NET-molecules like myeloperoxidase (MPO) or neutrophil elastase (NE), measuring the presence of citrullinated histones by fluorescence microscopy, or flow cytometric detection of NET-components which all have different features regarding their specificity, sensitivity, objectivity, and quantity. Here is a protocol to quantify ex vivo NET formation in a highly-sensitive, high-throughput manner by using three-dimensional immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. This protocol can be applied to address various research questions about NET formation and degradation in health and disease.

This protocol describes a highly sensitive and high throughput neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) assay for the semi-automated quantification of ex vivo NET formation by immunofluorescence three-dimensional confocal microscopy. This protocol can be used to evaluate NET formation and degradation after different stimuli and can be used to study potential NET-targeted therapies.

Un'analisi di High-throughput per valutare e quantificare la trappola extracellulari del neutrofilo formazione

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are immunogenic extracellular DNA structures that can be released by neutrophils upon a wide variety of triggers. ...