In Vitro Biofilm Assay
Creative Biolabs is a contract research organization and provider of services and products based on the research and development of next-generation probiotics. We have a professional research and development team, with high-quality, professional, and cutting-edge services to meet the needs of global probiotics research and industry.
Backgrounds
Bacterial biofilms are complex, mono- or poly-microbial communities adhering to biotic or abiotic surfaces and interacting with the surrounding environment. The biofilm-producer microbes start a certain mechanism of adhesion to a surface and then the formation of micro-colonies resulting in a three-dimensional structure of mature biofilm. Biofilm structures are typically composed of live and dead bacterial cells, extracellular polymeric material, and other substances secreted by the cells. Biofilms or mucus are considered microbiologically derived sessile communities characterized by irreversible attachment of cells to the substrate or each other. In vitro analysis of biofilms has promoted the development of biofilm research.
Fig.1 The process of agglomeration and biofilm formation. (Arciola, 2002)
Biofilm Biomass and Viability Assay
Different experimental approaches are required for the ability of isolates to form biofilms, the number of EPS, the total number of bacterial cells embedded in the biofilm, the number of effectively viable bacteria in the biofilm, or the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of biofilm cells, as compared to planktic growth patterns. Biofilm biomass and viability can be assessed by different methods that rely on microbial and molecular methods, or the physical or chemical properties of the biofilm. Microscopy methods are also important tools for assessing biofilm biomass properties, as they can describe the spatial organization, heterogeneity, and association with community function in a more direct manner. Biofilm growth can often be determined indirectly by proxy markers that can infer the amount of biofilm. Examples of these markers include total protein content, DNA, dry mass, RNA, polysaccharides, or metabolites.
Biofilm Assay Techniques at Creative Biolabs
Several in vitro and in vivo methods have been used to better understand the biology of biofilms and their detection. Colorimetry is one of the most widely used methods and is commonly used in studies related to biofilm development, drug susceptibility, and quantification of specific biofilm structures. These methods are important allies in identifying biofilm formation and for a better understanding, mainly of the susceptibility of biofilms to anti-biofilms and antimicrobial compounds, which can assist in the development of new methods of diagnosis and treatment.
Creative Biolabs is a biotechnology CRO company. Our goal is to facilitate the development of live biotherapeutics by accelerating probiotics research. We achieve this by providing our clients with quality customized solutions in the field of research. If you are interested in our biofilm research services, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Reference
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Arciola, C.R.; et al. Detection of biofilm-forming strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. aureus. Expert review of molecular diagnostics. 2002, 2(5): 478-484.
For Research Use Only. Not intended for use in food manufacturing or medical procedures (diagnostics or therapeutics). Do Not Use in Humans.
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