title: Confocal microscopy imaging of the biofilm matrix.
abstract: The extracellular matrix is an integral part of microbial biofilms and an important field of research. Confocal laser scanning microscopy is a valuable tool for the study of biofilms, and in particular of the biofilm matrix, as it allows real-time visualization of fully hydrated, living specimens. Confocal microscopes are held by many research groups, and a number of methods for qualitative and quantitative imaging of the matrix have emerged in recent years. This review provides an overview and a critical discussion of techniques used to visualize different matrix compounds, to determine the concentration of solutes and the diffusive properties of the biofilm matrix.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry, HEALTH, Aarhus University, Vennelyst Boulevard 9, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Electronic address: sebastians@microbiology.au.dk.
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schlafer
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Bioscience, Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Electronic address: rikke.meyer@inano.au.dk.
authors.forename: Rikke L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Meyer
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms; D005109:Extracellular Matrix; D036681:Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching / Q000379:methods; D031541:Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / Q000379:methods; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods*; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D005456:Fluorescent Dyes
keywords: Biofilm; CLSM; Confocal microscopy; EPS; Extracellular matrix; Fluorescent stains