The innovation of cryo-SEM freeze-fracturing methodology demonstrated on high pressure frozen biofilm. 2018

Kamila Hrubanova, and Jana Nebesarova, and Filip Ruzicka, and Vladislav Krzyzanek
Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.

In this study we present an innovative method for the preparation of fully hydrated samples of microbial biofilms of cultures Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) and high-pressure freezing (HPF) rank among cutting edge techniques in the electron microscopy of hydrated samples such as biofilms. However, the combination of these techniques is not always easily applicable. Therefore, we present a method of combining high-pressure freezing using EM PACT2 (Leica Microsystems), which fixes hydrated samples on small sapphire discs, with a high resolution SEM equipped with the widely used cryo-preparation system ALTO 2500 (Gatan). Using a holder developed in house, a freeze-fracturing technique was applied to image and investigate microbial cultures cultivated on the sapphire discs. In our experiments, we focused on the ultrastructure of the extracellular matrix produced during cultivation and the relationships among microbial cells in the biofilm. The main goal of our investigations was the detailed visualization of areas of the biofilm where the microbial cells adhere to the substrate/surface. We show the feasibility of this technique, which is clearly demonstrated in experiments with various freeze-etching times.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008855 Microscopy, Electron, Scanning Microscopy in which the object is examined directly by an electron beam scanning the specimen point-by-point. The image is constructed by detecting the products of specimen interactions that are projected above the plane of the sample, such as backscattered electrons. Although SCANNING TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY also scans the specimen point by point with the electron beam, the image is constructed by detecting the electrons, or their interaction products that are transmitted through the sample plane, so that is a form of TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY. Scanning Electron Microscopy,Electron Scanning Microscopy,Electron Microscopies, Scanning,Electron Microscopy, Scanning,Electron Scanning Microscopies,Microscopies, Electron Scanning,Microscopies, Scanning Electron,Microscopy, Electron Scanning,Microscopy, Scanning Electron,Scanning Electron Microscopies,Scanning Microscopies, Electron,Scanning Microscopy, Electron
D002176 Candida albicans A unicellular budding fungus which is the principal pathogenic species causing CANDIDIASIS (moniliasis). Candida albicans var. stellatoidea,Candida stellatoidea,Dematium albicans,Monilia albicans,Myceloblastanon albicans,Mycotorula albicans,Parasaccharomyces albicans,Procandida albicans,Procandida stellatoidea,Saccharomyces albicans,Syringospora albicans
D005109 Extracellular Matrix A meshwork-like substance found within the extracellular space and in association with the basement membrane of the cell surface. It promotes cellular proliferation and provides a supporting structure to which cells or cell lysates in culture dishes adhere. Matrix, Extracellular,Extracellular Matrices,Matrices, Extracellular
D005614 Freeze Fracturing Preparation for electron microscopy of minute replicas of exposed surfaces of the cell which have been ruptured in the frozen state. The specimen is frozen, then cleaved under high vacuum at the same temperature. The exposed surface is shadowed with carbon and platinum and coated with carbon to obtain a carbon replica. Fracturing, Freeze,Fracturings, Freeze,Freeze Fracturings
D000074429 Candida parapsilosis A species of MITOSPORIC FUNGI and opportunistic pathogen associated with its ability to form BIOFILMS in catheters and parenteral nutrition IV lines. C. parapsilosis complex includes closely related species C. orthopsilosis; and C. metapsilosis. Mycocandida parapsilosis,Mycotorula parapsilopsis,C. metapsilosis,C. orthopsilosis,C. parapsilosis,C. parapsilosis Complex,Candida metapsilosis,Candida orthopsilosis,Candida parapsilosis Complex,Candida parapsilosis Group
D013212 Staphylococcus epidermidis A species of STAPHYLOCOCCUS that is a spherical, non-motile, gram-positive, chemoorganotrophic, facultative anaerobe. Mainly found on the skin and mucous membrane of warm-blooded animals, it can be primary pathogen or secondary invader.
D018441 Biofilms Encrustations formed from microbes (bacteria, algae, fungi, plankton, or protozoa) embedded in an EXTRACELLULAR POLYMERIC SUBSTANCE MATRIX that is secreted by the microbes. They occur on body surfaces such as teeth (DENTAL DEPOSITS); inanimate objects, and bodies of water. Biofilms are prevented from forming by treating surfaces with DENTIFRICES; DISINFECTANTS; ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS; and anti-fouling agents. Biofilm
D020285 Cryoelectron Microscopy Electron microscopy involving rapid freezing of the samples. The imaging of frozen-hydrated molecules and organelles permits the best possible resolution closest to the living state, free of chemical fixatives or stains. Electron Cryomicroscopy,Cryo-electron Microscopy,Cryo electron Microscopy,Cryo-electron Microscopies,Cryoelectron Microscopies,Cryomicroscopies, Electron,Cryomicroscopy, Electron,Electron Cryomicroscopies,Microscopies, Cryo-electron,Microscopies, Cryoelectron,Microscopy, Cryo-electron,Microscopy, Cryoelectron

Related Publications

Kamila Hrubanova, and Jana Nebesarova, and Filip Ruzicka, and Vladislav Krzyzanek
October 2003, Journal of microscopy,
Kamila Hrubanova, and Jana Nebesarova, and Filip Ruzicka, and Vladislav Krzyzanek
January 2022, Microscopy (Oxford, England),
Kamila Hrubanova, and Jana Nebesarova, and Filip Ruzicka, and Vladislav Krzyzanek
February 2017, Journal of structural biology,
Kamila Hrubanova, and Jana Nebesarova, and Filip Ruzicka, and Vladislav Krzyzanek
August 2003, Microscopy and microanalysis : the official journal of Microscopy Society of America, Microbeam Analysis Society, Microscopical Society of Canada,
Kamila Hrubanova, and Jana Nebesarova, and Filip Ruzicka, and Vladislav Krzyzanek
January 2014, Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.),
Kamila Hrubanova, and Jana Nebesarova, and Filip Ruzicka, and Vladislav Krzyzanek
February 1979, Mikroskopie,
Kamila Hrubanova, and Jana Nebesarova, and Filip Ruzicka, and Vladislav Krzyzanek
March 1985, Rhinology,
Kamila Hrubanova, and Jana Nebesarova, and Filip Ruzicka, and Vladislav Krzyzanek
July 1972, Journal of ultrastructure research,
Kamila Hrubanova, and Jana Nebesarova, and Filip Ruzicka, and Vladislav Krzyzanek
March 1978, Journal of microscopy,
Kamila Hrubanova, and Jana Nebesarova, and Filip Ruzicka, and Vladislav Krzyzanek
August 1987, Die Naturwissenschaften,
Copied contents to your clipboard!