title: Comparative studies of bacteria with an atomic force microscopy operating in different modes.
abstract: Escherichia coli bacterial cells of two strains JM109 and K12 J62 were imaged with atomic force microscopy (AFM) in different environmental conditions. The AFM results show that the two strains have considerable difference in the surface morphology. At the same time after rehydration both strains show the loss of the topographic features and increase in lateral and vertical dimensions. Results obtained in different AFM modes (contact, tapping, MAC) were compared. Imaging in culture medium was applied for direct observation of the surface degradation effect of lysozyme. The treatment of the cells with the enzyme in the culture medium lead to the loss of surface rigidity and eventually to dramatic changes of the bacteria shape.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physics, Moscow State University, Russia.
authors.forename: A V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Bolshakova
authors.forename: O I
authors.initials: OI
authors.lastname: Kiselyova
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Filonov
authors.forename: O Y
authors.initials: OY
authors.lastname: Frolova
authors.forename: Y L
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Lyubchenko
authors.forename: I V
authors.initials: IV
authors.lastname: Yaminsky
mesh_terms: D000391:Air Microbiology; D003470:Culture Media; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D009113:Muramidase / Q000378:metabolism; D013499:Surface Properties; D014867:Water; D014871:Water Microbiology
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D014867:Water; D009113:Muramidase