Article Abstract:
Scanning confocal laser microscopy helps examine the nutrient utilization of a degradative biofilm community with the herbicide diclofop methyl as the sole carbon and energy source. Removal of diclofop from the irrigation solution leads to a decrease in the fluoresence of diclofop-grown biofilms. Inhibition of the fluoresence decrease by cyanide indicates that viable cells utilize the accumulated diclofop. Labeling experiments reveal that degradation of accumulated diclofop by biofilm bacteria is responsible for the decreased fluoresence during the periods of carbon limitation.
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Article Abstract:
The use of bacterial plasmolysis as an indicator of cell membrane integrity helps to determine cellular viability. The plasmolysis viability detection methods along with computer image-processing hardware gives the number of living and dead cells present on surfaces or in solution. Plasmolysis in conjunction with fluorochemical probes helps in investigating viability at the base of thick microbiological films. The method finds application in the efficacy testing of biocides and antimicrobial agents against biofilms formed by bacteria that can undergo plasmolysis.
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Article Abstract:
A steady-state concentration gradient of diclofop methyl, estimated by diffusion through an agarose gel, yielded carbon for microbial growth. Colonizations of the gel surface was revealed by epifluorescence and scanning control laser microscopy. The microbial responses to the diclofop are ascertained.
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