Imaging In vitro Anti-biofilm Activity to Visualize the Ultrastructural Changes

Biofilm cells typically exhibit increased resistance to antimicrobial agents and the host immune system. In vitro antibiofilm activity has been studied widely in the present’s days. It has become necessary to apply various microscopic techniques in order to evaluate in situ anti-biofilm activity and ultrastructural changes. A wide variety of methods can be applied for visualization and quantification of anti-biofilm activity. In this chapter we analyze and compare the various microscopic techniques. For quantification and visualization at the light microscopic level, Hoechst and Propidium iodide staining method can be used. For visualization at the high-resolution microscopic level, scanning laser microscopy (CSLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be applied. The methods presented in this chapter are illustrated on the model of Candida albicans biofilem.