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Optimization of fixation methods for observation of bacterial cell morphology and surface ultrastructures by atomic force microscopy.

Authors :
Chao, Yuanqing
Zhang, Tong
Source :
Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology. Oct2011, Vol. 92 Issue 2, p381-392. 12p.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

Fixation ability of five common fixation solutions, including 2.5% glutaraldehyde, 10% formalin, 4% paraformaldehyde, methanol/acetone (1:1), and ethanol/acetic acid (3:1) were evaluated by using atomic force microscopy in the present study. Three model bacteria, i.e., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, and Bacillus subtilis were applied to observe the above fixation methods for the morphology preservation of bacterial cells and surface ultrastructures. All the fixation methods could effectively preserve cell morphology. However, for preserving bacterial surface ultrastructures, the methods applying aldehyde fixations performed much better than those using alcohols, since the alcohols could detach the surface filaments (i.e., flagella and pili) significantly. Based on the quantitative and qualitative assessments, the 2.5% glutaraldehyde was proposed as a promising fixation solution both for observing morphology of both bacterial cell and surface ultrastructures, while the methonal/acetone mixture was the worst fixation solution which may obtain unreliable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01757598
Volume :
92
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
65923105
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-011-3551-5