A new colorimetric microtitre model for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.
OBJECTIVE
Research on biofilms requires validated quantitative models that focus both on matrix and viable bacterial mass. In this study, a new microplate model for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms was developed.


RESULTS
Dimethyl methylene blue (DMMB) dye was used to quantify biofilm matrix colorimetrically. Initially developed for the detection of glycosaminoglycans, the DMMB protocol was optimized for S. aureus biofilm research. In addition, the redox indicator resazurin was used to determine the viable bacterial biofilm burden.


CONCLUSIONS
A new, simple and reproducible microplate test system based on DMMB and resazurin, offering a reliable differentiation between biofilm matrix and cellular activity, was developed and validated for the detection of S. aureus biofilms.


CONCLUSIONS
The DMMB-resazurin microtitre plate model is a valuable tool for high capacity screening of biocides and for the development of synergistic mixtures of biocides, destroying both biofilm matrix and bacteria.
Toté
K
K
Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium. kim.tote@ua.ac.be
Vanden Berghe
D
D
Maes
L
L
Cos
P
P
D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D003124:Colorimetry / Q000379:methods; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D050296:Microbial Viability; D010078:Oxazines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D014966:Xanthenes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
D010078:Oxazines; D014966:Xanthenes; C435946:dimethylmethylene blue; C005843:resazurin; D008751:Methylene Blue