Biofilm Image Gallery
Welcome to the NBIC Biofilm Image Galley
In 2021 we launched our annual Biofilm Create! Art and Photography Competition, to support our #BiofilmAware campaign which works to raise awareness of biofilm research, and the many societal and economic impacts of biofilms.
This Biofilm Image Gallery contains a selection of images from the ‘Photography’ category of our competitions.
To view entries from the ‘Art’ category, please visit our Biofilm Art Gallery.
Biofilms in the Lab
Bacterial planet
Description: A long time ago, in a microbial universe far, far away…. There existed a drab planet where burning desert sands spread all over its surface, and red lava rivers roared deafeningly (left image). It appeared as though no microbes could survive on this harsh planet. However, life, even on a microscopic scale, has an uncanny ability to create miracles. Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) discovered a way to thrive on this unforgiving planet. They migrated from the ground to the planet’s interior and established a thriving and vibrant bacterial metropolis (right image). In this underground bacterial city, each bacterium was interconnected by a network of extracellular polymeric substances, which facilitated the sharing of information and nutrients. Together, they formed a resilient, unified front against the planet’s hostile environment. The images were captured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and false coloured using Adobe Photoshop. We immobilized L. lactis cells within polymer vesicles, allowing the bacteria to grow and form biofilms inside these vesicles. The resulting hybrid bacterial vesicles proved to be highly effective in the production of lactic acid. It offers a promising new approach to harnessing biofilms for various practical applications in our daily lives.
Iolanta Spanner, University of Southampton
Connection
Description: Here is a Scanning Electron Microscope image of Streptococcus pyogenes after exposure to herbal tea. We see a single cell on the left, as it seemingly reaches out and connects with the group on the right via Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS). (Magnification ~80,000 X).
Anna Romachney
Symbiotic Culture of Art
Description: Photograph of SCOBY grown which had been gram stained and looked at in more detail under a microscope.
Peng Bao, University of Liverpool
A polarized optical microscope image of a liquid crystal biosensor
Description: An exquisite glimpse through our polarized microscope – the nice pattern formed in a thin-film liquid crystal (LC) biosensor, which is used for the rapid, sensitive detection of various pathogens.
Leanne Arlene Milburn, University of Cambridge
Imagining the Potential
Description: A microscopic viewing of nature’s energy-producing microbes at work. Here, cyanobacteria (a variant of Synechocystis) sit at the ready upon a transparent electrode. As light is applied to the photosynthetic sample, electrons are carried out of the cell and given to the electrode, where the electrical current is measured. What conditions govern this process? A fluorescent dye reports on the environment within each cell. Scale bar = 10 um.
Anna Nikolaidou and Dave Patton, University of the West of England
Kombucha Tea Culture 1
Description: Scanning electron micrograph of fixed, air dried, uncoated Kombucha tea culture showing yeast cells on added zeolite.
Anna Nikolaidou and Dave Patton, University of the West of England
Kombucha Tea Culture 2
Description: Environmental scanning electron micrograph of fixed Kombucha tea culture. A fully hydrated yeast cell is being exposed by carefully evaporation of water.
Shaun Nelson Robertson, Manuel Romero and Samuel Fenn, University of Nottingham
It’s life, but not as we know it
Description: This is a micrograph acquired on a Zeiss LSM700 Confocal microscope. It shows a polymicrobial biofilm of Candida albicans (Yellow, dimoprhic fungi), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Cyan, Gram-negative bacterium) and Staphylococcus aureus (Magenta, Gram-positive bacterium) under hypoxia. This was grown under hypoxic conditions (5% Oxygen) which more resembles some infection environments. This combination of microbes grow in unique structures with long tendril like spires rising from the base of the biofilm. These were comprised of hyphae produced by C. albicans and yeast alongside P. aeruginosa climbing these structures. These protruding aerial structures were even visible to the naked eye bearing a resemblance to Velcro!
Amy Foo Guest, University of Liverpool
BioFish
Description: Bacteria grown on the surface of a substrate and imaged using fluorscence microscopy. The bacteria have organised themselves in this image to look like a fish! Where we can make out a big eye and a fin on the end.
Pomegranate-L. lactis biofilm in protocell
Description: Fancy this plump and juicy pomegranate? Who wants to have a bite? We create an artificial cell (protocell) using inorganic materials to mimic basic cellular functions and explore the origin of life. The image shows L.lactis grew happily in the protocell lumen and formed pomegranate-shaped biofilm. The image was captured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and false coloured using Adobe Photoshop.
The Microbial Mixer
Description: This SEM image depicts a mixed-species biofilm. In infections, biofilms can be polymicrobial, meaning they have multiple bacterial species living together in a community. There can be several benefits of this to the bacteria, and make the biofilms even more dangerous for us! One such benefit I am studying in my PhD, is antibiotic resistance. I have found certain interesting results that show that bacteria in such mixed communities can be protected from antibiotics, thus surviving better than those that are living in single-species communities!
Images of the exocarp of papaya cv Maradol inoculated with S. Typhimurium
Description: Confocal laser scanning microscopy images of the exocarp of papaya inoculated with S. Typhimurium. Arrows indicate the presence of S. Typhimurium in the exocarp.
Spooktacular Staphylococcus
Description: This picture shows a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm I took. Think of them like tiny cities where many bacteria gather under a slimy cover. While this looks spooky (like a ghost’s sheet), studying these biofilms is really important. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial species implicated in many infections. Imagine these communities living inside and on our bodies! When these biofilms form in places they shouldn’t (like wounds) they can make it difficult for our immune system to fight and clear the infection. Biofilms are also more resistant to antibiotics, making it difficult to treat these infections. I study biofilms of not only Staphylococcus aureus, but also biofilms having multiple bacterial species all growing together. In my PhD, I am trying to understand what happens when we expose them to different antibiotics over time!
Brett Gadsby, University of Nottingham
Deep Blue
Description: P. aeruginosa on Toluidine blue loaded PVC.
Brett Gadsby, University of Nottingham
Deep Blue
Description: P. aeruginosa on Toluidine blue loaded PVC.
Brett Gadsby, University of Nottingham
Crystalline Reproduction
Description: P. aeruginosa on optical fibre.
Brett Gadsby, University of Nottingham
Bucket Biota
Description: Bubbling biofilm after a disturbance in the water bucket.
Brett Gadsby, University of Nottingham
Vapor Cosmos
Description: P. aeruginosa on PVC and optical adhesive.
Brogan Richards, University of Nottingham
Like stars in a galaxy
Description: A. fumigatus spores grown in YPD overnight allowed to germinate and form hyphal networks imaged using phase contrast microscopy at 40X magnification.
Bilal Ahmed, Afreen Jailani, Jin-Hyung Lee, and Jintae Lee, Purdue University
Plant root surface colonization by Agrobacterium tumefaciens in the presence of indole
Description: Biofilm on the root surface of Brassica juncea (mustard): Scanning electron microscopy of Agrobacterium tumefaciens biofilms with 50 microgram/ml indole. Micrographs were taken at 50 (panel 1), 2000 (panel 2), and 10,000 (panel 3) times magnification. Boxed regions are shown in the following images.
Manuel Romero, University of Nottingham
Biofilm Eruption
Description: Bacteria (red) colonising the surface of a Hortensia petal replicate (cyan). Bio-mimicking fabrication methods are explored to create nano and micro-structured surfaces with antibiofilm properties for medical implants. Natural surface architectures reveal an exciting variety in surface topography. On the Hortense surfaces, red fluorescent bacteria attached mainly on the grooves next to the micrometer size folds displaying a magma-like flow outpouring volcanic mountains. Scale bar 20 µm.
Mason Giles and Fen Sawyer, University of Southampton
Planetary Cover
Description: Photograph of bacterial colonies on a petri dish, looking like a solar system.
Aluminé Fessia, Germán Barros y Andrea Nesci, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Argentina
Different views Bacillus´ biofilm
Description: Bacillus subtilis biofilm isolated from corn leaf. Development in biofilm inducing medium (MSgg) from macrocolony to electron microscopy.
Marta Díaz-Navarro, Rafael Samaniego, Andrés Visedo, Imani Delcán, María Guembe, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Gregorio Marañón
7-day biofilm of intestinal microbiota
Description: Image of a 7-day mature biofilm from a faecal sample of a paediatric patient with inflammatory bowl disease performed in a collagen scaffold.
Erifyli Tsagkari, University of Glasgow
Tap water biofilm
Description: Biofilm formation after 7 weeks of growth in tap water and glucose.
Manoj Prasad, University of Sheffield
Biofilm on oil droplet
Description: Oil droplet decorated by oil-degrading bacteria Alcanivoax borkumensis. The image shows an oil droplet covered by a mixture of green and mCherry expressing fluorescent cells.
Jiaqi Luo, Surface Science Research Centre, University of Liverpool
BioFILM
Description: It is really a “film”! Don’t just look at it, but feel it! Feel the smooth texture at the centre of the EPS, feel its subtle interaction with the curli expressed by the Escherichia. coli on the edge…It was also a beautiful mistake why this “film” was obtained, simply a tilted substrate, and the medium-air interface plays the magic.
Jiaqi Luo, Surface Science Research Centre, University of Liverpool
Egg
Description: An egg shape suspended cluster was found in the overnight culture of Staphylococcus aureus (fluorescent green, nucleic acid stained), when we were testing co-staining with the newly purchased dye. This dye depicts the complex network (fluorescent red) that was produced by the bacterial cells, and at the same time supported the cells. Most importantly, the dye is designed to target…proteins! That’s another reason why we call it “Egg”. As far as I know, “protein” is called “Eiweiß” in German, and “Dan Bai Zhi” in Chinese. Interestingly, both words literally mean “egg white” in both languages.
Evan Wroe, Joshua Lawrence, Mairi Eyres, University of Cambridge
Synechocystis lit from behind
Description: Here I’ve added a fluorescent flavin (cyan) to the cyanobacteria Synechocystis (also known as blue-green algae), to try to help us image the electrochemical gradient across the Synechocystis biofilm. Unfortunately it is mostly sucked up by the extracellular matrix that the cells produce to form a biofilm. At this resolution, and lit from behind by the flavin, it reveals the cells as little bubbles of liquid.
Evan Wroe, Joshua Lawrence, Mairi Eyres, University of Cambridge
Synechocystis extracellular matrix ‘sponging up’ a flavin
Description: The cyanobacteria Synechocystis (also known as blue-green algae) are packed full of chlorophyll to absorb sunlight and allow them to photosynthesise. Under the microscope, this chlorophyll glows red, and allows us to image Synechocystis communities forming a biofilm. Here I’ve added a fluorescent flavin (cyan), to try to help us image the electrochemical gradient across the biofilm – but it’s been sucked up by the extracellular matrix that the cells produce to form a biofilm. It looks pretty though!
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Clinical biomineralized biofilm formed on a urinary catheter device
A coloured environmental scanning electron microscope image (ESEM) of a biomineralized biofilm formed on a clinical urinary catheter device. Struvite minerals are coloured in orange, apatite minerals are coloured in yellow, and the biofilm structure is coloured in purple. Magnification- 500x. Image Production: Kiril Rosenov Kalenderski and Nicola Weston. Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham.
Maria Paula Huertas Caycedo, University of Dundee
Bacillus subtilis biofilm formation
Biofilm formation of B. subtilis on LBGM medium.
Isabella Centeleghe, Cardiff University
Dual species dry surface biofilm
Description: Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus licheniformis happily form a dual species dry surface biofilm on a stainless steel substrate, viewed under a scanning electron microscope at x10,000 magnification.
Chris Daniel and Gayathri Sritharan, Birkbeck College, University of London
Smoke in a well
Description: A photograph of two-week old Mycobacterium abscessus grown in a 96-well plate. The pellicle that forms between the air/liquid interface is delicate, beautiful and looks like smoke in a well.
Christopher Campbell, University of Southampton
Holey Moly
Description: X20 image of a pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm, featuring dark circles pockmarking the surface.
Sandra Wilks, University of Southampton
Catheter crystals
Description: A crystalline biofilm on a urinary catheter showing struvite crystals covered with Proteus mirabilis. Taken using episcopic differential interference contrast microscopy.
Sandra Wilks, University of Southampton
A crystalline cross
Description: DAPI stained Proteus mirabilis covering crystals, with EPS stained with TRITC-labelled concanavalin A. Biofilm has developed on a urinary catheter in a model system with artificial urine medium.
Sandra Wilks, University of Southampton
C. auris biofilm on a plastic catheter
Description: Candida auris is a multidrug resistant fungal species, capable of producing highly antifungal resistant biofilms and evading immune response. These yeasts can persist the longest periods colonising skin and inert hospital surfaces. Central intravenous catheters are the perfect entrance to the bloodstream for C. auris colonising skin. C. auris has critical consequences for public health and health care systems by causing nosocomial outbreaks of bloodstream infections worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, C. auris complicated the prognosis of patients in critically ill units, contributed to increasing high mortality rates and the cost of care. This is a SEM image that corresponds to our group catheterised skin model to study fungal infections. Isolated and aggregated yeasts can be seen covered by extracellular matrix on a plastic catheter inserted into skin explants. White scale bar corresponds to 20 um.
Liam Rooney, Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde.
Prokaryotic Plumes
Description: A false-coloured confocal fluorescence image of Escherichia coli cells shedding from a disrupted biofilm. Cells are expressing GFP and are false coloured in cyan. Biofilm shedding is a fundamental part of the biofilm formation cycle, and central to the pathobiology of many clinical strains. This image shows the periphery of a mature E. coli biofilm which has been begun shedding in response to changing environmental conditions. Plumes of bacterial cells can be observed swimming away from the biofilm as it breaks up. These cells will typically go on to form daughter biofilms and restart the biofilm formation cycle again. This image was acquired and processed at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Strathclyde by Dr Liam Mark Rooney during his PhD. Liam’s work focussed on the application of novel microscopy techniques to the field of microbiology.
Liam Rooney, Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde.
Marbled microbes
Description: A false-coloured mesoscopic image of a dual strain Escherichia coli biofilm acquired using the Mesolens. Escherichia coli (JM105) expressing GFP (Blue) and HcRed1 (Gold) were grown as a mixed population and inoculated in a 3:1 ratio underneath the Mesolens. As founder populations grow and expand radially, their edges clash with adjacent microcolonies. The cell:cell interactions result in bending and twisting of the leading edge of each microcolony, resulting in a “marbling” effect running through the biofilm. The use of the Mesolens brings a novel imaging aspect to this work, where we can image large biofilms with sub-cellular spatial resolution. Ultimately, using the Mesolens we can achieve 700 nm spatial resolution over a 6 mm field of view. Mesoscopic imaging therefore hits the sweet spot for biofilm studies, where the global impact of single cell interactions can be visualised and studied. This image was acquired and processed at the Mesolab Imaging Facility at the University of Strathclyde by Dr Liam Mark Rooney during his PhD. Liam’s work focussed on the application of novel microscopy techniques to the field of microbiology.
Manuel Romero, University of Nottingham
The Meeting of Kingdoms
Composite of confocal laser scanning microscopy images of a fluorescently stained inter–kingdom poly–microbial biofilm containing major wound pathogens. The biofilm is composed of the fungi Candida albicans (Eukaryote, red) and bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Prokaryote, white) and Staphylococcus aureus (Prokaryote, blue). Images were taken after 3 days of co–culture on a polycarbonate disk.These inter–kingdom biofilms are grown for multiple downstream applications including testing of new anti–biofilm agents to manage these recalcitrant pathogenic communities. Alliances of the species included in the image allow the microbial cells to survive conventional antimicrobial treatments and propagate thanks to the protrusion of hyphae produced by the fungi (hair–like cellular extensions bulging from C. albicans colonies in red). Scale bar: 200 μm. Image: Dr. Manuel Romero and Dr. Shaun Robertson.
Manuel Romero, University of Nottingham
Drug Proof Biofilm
Composite of confocal laser scanning microscopy images of a fluorescently stained Acinetobacter baumannii biofilmafter 5 days of culture on a glass surface. A. baumannii has a strong ability to form biofilms, a phenotype linked to this bacterial species tolerance to desiccation, nutrient starvation and antimicrobial treatment. Due to its natural ability to survive in the hospital environment by producing biofilms that enhance its inherent antibiotic resistance, was included in the priority pathogens list from WHO for multi-drug resistant pathogens for which new antimicrobial alternatives are urgently needed. Spherical cellular masses were stained red while threads of polymeric extracellular substances (slimy biofilm matrix composed of DNA and polysaccharides) are shown in green and blue. Scale bar: 100 μm.
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Struvite and calcium carbonate minerals enmeshed within a urinary catheter biofilm
Large struvite (yellow) and circular calcium carbonate (orange) minerals enmeshed within a biofilm (purple) formed on a urinary catheter (green). Calcite (calcium carbonate) and struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) are among the most common types of minerals associated with biofilms linked to symptomatic CAUTI manifestations. Magnification: 1000x. Image Production: Kiril Rosenov Kalenderski and Nicola Weston. Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham.
Ramon Garcia Maset, University of Warwick
Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in an “ Ex vivo porcine wound model
An artificial wound was created in ex vivio pig skin tissue and the wound was infected with S. aureus USA300 (MRSA) for 24h to allow biofilm formation. The samples was analysed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to obtain micrographs of the stablish biofilm in the skin. GIMP2.10 software was used to obtain false colouring of the micrographs.
Liam Rooney, Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde.
Clash of the colis
A false-coloured mesoscopic image of two adjacent Escherichia coli biofilms acquired using the Mesolens, and subsequently deconvolved to increase the quality of the image. Escherichia coli (JM105) expressing GFP (Cyan) and HcRed1 (Magenta) were inoculated and grown for 24 hours on LB medium before being imaged by widefield mesoscopy. Each inoculum was spaced approximately 5 millimetres apart, and the biofilms were allowed to grow and expand into the interstitial space. The “channel structures” present in each biofilm are used for the uptake and dissemination of nutrients into the biofilm. The Mesolens was used to acquire this image. The Mesolens is a unique mesoscope capable of imaging large (multi-millimetre) samples with simultaneous sub-cellular resolution (700 nm). No other imaging method can acquire images of such spatial scales. This places the Mesolens in the perfect territory for advanced imaging of mature biofilms. This image was acquired and processed at the Mesolab Imaging Facility at the University of Strathclyde by Dr Liam Mark Rooney during his PhD. Liam’s work focussed on the application of novel microscopy techniques to the field of microbiology.
Liam Rooney, Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde.
The building blocks of a biofilm
A computationally generated output from a 3D dataset of a mature E. coli biofilm using the analysis package, BiofilmQ. The image data was acquired using the Mesolens, a mesoscope uniquely capable of imaging multi-millimetre sized specimens with simultaneous sub-cellular resolution (700 nm) throughout the imaging volume. Contrast arises from GFP expression. The image shows a mature E. coli biofilm measuring approximately 6 mm in diameter, where every single cell in the biofilm has been computationally isolated and presented in a 3D view. There are over 1.28×109 cells present in this image, and these data allow for single cell fluorescence measurements in every cell within the mature biofilm. The resolution and scale of these data are only achievable using the Mesolens, and BiofilmQ provides a robust analysis platform. Moreover, these types of analyses provide a means of understanding gene expression, cellular organisation, and interactions at the cellular level and how they fit with the global context of a multi-millimetre sized biofilm. This image was acquired and processed at the Mesolab Imaging Facility at the University of Strathclyde by Dr Liam Mark Rooney during his PhD. Liam’s work focussed on the application of novel microscopy techniques to the field of microbiology.
Liam Rooney, Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde.
Meandering microbes
A false-coloured mesoscopic image of a dual strain Escherichia coli biofilm acquired using the Mesolens. Escherichia coli (JM105) expressing GFP (cyan) and HcRed1 (orange) were grown as a mixed population and inoculated in a 1:1 ratio underneath the Mesolens. Expansion of founder populations resulted in meandering patterns of each strain, while isolated channel networks were maintained in each population. Interestingly, even though these strains are genotypically identical (save for the encoded photoprotein), they do not mix or break their founder population boundary. These types of experiments allow us to understand the formation of mixed strain biofilms. The use of the Mesolens brings a novel imaging aspect to this work, where we can image large biofilms with sub-cellular spatial resolution. Ultimately, using the Mesolens we can achieve 700 nm spatial resolution over a 6 mm field of view. Mesoscopic imaging therefore hits the sweet spot for biofilm studies, where the global impact of single cell interactions can be visualised and studied. This image was acquired and processed at the Mesolab Imaging Facility at the University of Strathclyde by Dr Liam Mark Rooney during his PhD. Liam’s work focussed on the application of novel microscopy techniques to the field of microbiology.
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Mushroom-shaped microcolonies of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formed on a urinary catheter
Mushroom-shaped microcolonies of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm (green) surrounded by mineralization (yellow), formed on a urinary catheter exposed to artificial urine within an in vitro bladder model. While the ability P. aeruginosa to produce urease and cause mineralization is not as potent as that of other bacteria, such as P. mirabilis, when exposed to a medium containing urea, such as artificial urine, the urease activity of this bacterium will result in the formation of minerals such as apatite. Magnification: 500x. Image Production: Kiril Rosenov Kalenderski and Nicola Weston. Location: Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Overview of a urinary catheter lumen colonized by a biofilm
An overview of a biofilm (green) formed on a urinary catheter (cyan) which resulted in complete device blockage. Reflux of urine into the upper urinary tract resulting from a blocked catheter device is a cause of symptomatic catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) episodes including pyelonephritis, septicaemia, and endotoxic shock. Image production: Kiril Rosenov Kalenderski and Nicola Weston. Location: Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Fluff shaped biofilm structures surrounded by round calcium carbonate minerals
Biofilm structures exhibiting a fluff like morphology, surrounded by round calcium carbonate minerals, on the surface of a urinary catheter. More than 200 different types of bacteria can carry out calcium carbonate mineralization. Microbial metabolisms including photosynthesis, sulphate reduction, nitrate reduction, and urease hydrolysis, can all induce the precipitation of carbonate altering the saturation state of calcium carbonate. Image production: Kiril Rosenov Kalenderski and Nicola Weston. Location: Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham
Manuel Romero, University of Nottingham
Drug Proof Biofilm 2
Acinetobacter baumannii bacterial pathogen produces extraordinarily complex biofilm communities, in which microbial cells are protected from antimicrobial treatments. A. baumannii is considered one of the most troublesome hospital–acquired pathogens since the increase of multidrug–resistant strains has reduced the treatment options for this pathogen. This composite of confocal laser scanning microscopy images shows macrocolonies formed by trillions of A. baumannii cells growing on a glass surface. Blue, green and red fluorogenic dyes were used to mark extracellular DNA, exopolysaccharides and cell membranes, respectively. Scale bar: 100 μm.
Manuel Romero, University of Nottingham
Drug Proof Biofilm 3
Acinetobacter baumannii was identified as the most critical bacterial pathogen for which alternative treatments are urgently needed (WHO, 2017). A. baumannii has a strong ability to form biofilms, where cells build spherical 3D structures approximately 100 to 300 μm in diameter that resemble jellyfish swimming in a slimy matrix composed of extracellular polymeric substances. This is a photography of a 5 day–old A. baumannii biofilm on glass taken with a confocal laser scanning microscope acquired using the bright field and coloured in blue after biofilm fluorescent staining. Scale bar: 100 μm.
Maria Paula Huertas, University of Dundee
Biofilm hydrophobicity B. subtilis
Hydrophobicity of B. subtilis is shown by the addition of coloured water drops onto the biofilm.
Simone Krings, University of Surrey
Cyanocat
Biocoatings are a type of artificial biofilms in which colloidal synthetic latex particles encapsulate live, metabolically active bacteria. Our formulation also features halloysite nanotubes to create higher porosity. For this image, Cyanobacteria (Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803) were encapsulated within a biocoating. The samples were film-formed on a glass coverslip, rehydrated, freeze-dried and freeze-fractured to enable visualisation of the cross-section by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This image containing a structure resembling a cat was formed by combining two images. Thereafter, the image was false coloured using GIMP. Green round structures are Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Pink and white structures were added to show the nose and ears, as well as the whiskers of the cat structure. Simone Krings and David G. Jones.
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Basket-weaving mineral morphology within a clinical biofilm
Basket weaving shaped mineralization (yellow) enmeshed within a biofilm (red) formed on a urinary catheter. Mineral encrustation of catheter devices resulting from the formation of biofilms containing urease producing bacteria occurs in up to 48% of patients undergoing long-term catheterisation (>30 days), causing significant discomfort. Magnification- 2000x. Image Production: Kiril Rosenov Kalenderski and Nicola Weston. Location: Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham.
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Sharpened teeth-like mineral morphology within a clinical biofilm
Mineralization in the form of sharp teeth (red) enmeshed within a biofilm (purple) formed on a urinary catheter. Minerals associated with urinary catheter biofilms can cause damage to the bladder mucosa, enhancing the ability of bacteria to disseminate into tissues.Magnification- 500x. Image Production: Kiril Rosenov Kalenderski and Nicola Weston. Location: Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham.
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Catheter associated clinical biofilm and mineralization
Mineralization (blue) enmeshed within a biofilm (cyan) formed on a urinary catheter. Ureolytic biomineralization resulting from the urease activity of bacteria, such as Proteus mirabilis, can reduce the susceptibility of biofilms to antimicrobials. Magnification- 700x. Image production: Kiril Rosenov Kalenderski and Nicola Weston. Location: Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham.
Winifred Akwani, University of Surrey
Return of the MAC
Animated lung infected with Mycobacterium abscessus biofilm (consisting of the macroscopic structure and freeze-dried biofilm visualised with SEM at 8,000X magnification). Names of all individuals involved: Winifred Akwani, Sarah Barnett-Tucker and David Jones.
Eva Zanditenasa and Professor Serge Ankri, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
Bacillus subtilis biofilm degraded by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica
Description: Inverted fluorescent confocal microscopy (X30) image of B. subtilis biofilm expressing TasA-mCherry (in red) after incubation (180 minutes at 37°C) with Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites (in blue, stained with DAPI). This image shows a mature B.subtilis biofilm being degraded (black holes) by E.histolytica. This parasite is responsible for amoebiasis, a gastrointestinal disease present in developing countries. In the human gut, E.histolytica trophozoites feed on bacteria which are often forming biofilm. Bacterial biofilm are too big to be phagocytized by the parasite. This picture is unique as it shows how the parasite breaks the biofilm to capture individual bacteria as its prey. This image was acquired and processed at the Rappaport faculty of medicine at Technion University by Eva Zanditenas (PhD student) and Professor Serge Ankri.
Trey Todor Koev, Quadram Institute Bioscience
Biofilms in the Gut
Biofilm formation on a polysaccharide hydrogel drug delivery matrix in the human large intestine. The matrix is largely colonised by three main species of commensal bacteria – Ruminococcus bromii, Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium. Individuals Involved: Trey Koev, Dr Hannah Harris and Dr Fred Warren (Quadram Institute Bioscience).
Iago Grobas, University of Warwick
Transition from swarming bacteria to a wrinkly biofilm in a gradient of kanamycin created by the antibiotic diffusive disk
Swarms can increase their resilience to antibiotics by creating wrinkly biofilms just by the depletion zone. Such transition happens just in presence of an external stress, such as the kanamycin gradient, which stops the advance of the swarming front and later gives place to the biofilm. A pattern with an evil smile appears just below the wrinkly biofilm. Can you see it? Location: Munehiro Asally’s lab, University of Warwick.
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formed on a silicone urinary catheter
A confocal microscope image of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1W) biofilm formed on the surface of a silicone urinary catheter device, within an in vitro bladder model. Location: Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham.
Evan Wroe, Joshua Lawrence, Mairi Eyres, University of Cambridge
A happy little Synechocystis biofilm
Description: The cyanobacteria Synechocystis (also known as blue-green algae), are packed full of chlorophyll to absorb sunlight and allow them to photosynthesise. Under the microscope, this chlorophyll glows red, and allows us to image Synechocystis communities forming a biofilm. In our lab, we grow Synechocystis on electrodes (as pictured here) and harness the extra energy they create during photosynthesis as a new source of solar electricity.
Fergus Watson, University of Southampton
Dry surface biofilm taken using a scanning electron microscope
The biofilm was developed under laboratory conditions using Acinetobacter baumannii grown in a novel culture media designed to emulate human sweat. Dry surface biofilms are known to exist on hospital surfaces and known to harbour HAI-associated pathogens. In my work I have developed biofilms on surfaces indicative of the hospital environment (stainless steel in this instance) using what we suspect is a common source of nutrients/moisture on these surface types human sweat. The image highlights both the attachment of a biofilm community to the surface as well as the potentially their dispersal mechanism – whereby the biofilm is ‘flaking’ off the surfaces possibly due to desiccation. This image demonstrates the important role these forms of surface contamination are having in hospitals and the ease at which harmful levels of contamination can be readily transmitted. It is easy to see how a patient’s hand may remove this mass of biofilm resulting in a nosocomial infection.
Katey Valentine, University of York
The hidden world living on our plastic litter
Description: Scanning electron micrograph of a natural multi-species biofilm which formed on the surface of pieces of a plastic bag after submersion in a UK river for three weeks. Different species of diatoms and bacteria can be seen, attached together with polymeric substances. In the middle of the image, bacteria can be seen growing on top of a diatom – this can often involve the mutualistic exchange of limiting substances between the bacteria and the phytoplankton.
Biofilms in Real Life
Mark Burton, University of Southampton
Fish Eye Lens
Description: Macro Photograph taken on a Canon EOSM100 of a fish eye, showing the thin, reflective mucus that coats the fish. The mucus, consisting of glycoproteins, forms a biofilm that protects the fish eye.
Mark Burton, University of Southampton
Furry Friends 1
Description: A thick, dark biofilm has formed on an abandoned drink, and forms the foundation for the growth of a plethora of mould, established over many weeks. A biofilm is a group of microorganisms that include bacteria, yeasts or fungi, and protozoa, and accumulates on surfaces exposed to water and nutrients that support bacterial life.
Jennifer Burton
Droplets
Description: A close up photograph of water droplets on an oak leaf on the forest floor. Biofilms are found on the surface of plant leaves. Biofilms have also recently been shown to exhibit a water-repellent behaviour, similar to that of plants leaves. This property of biofilms can impair the efficacy of antibacterial substances.
Mark Burton, University of Southampton
Fractured Biofilm
Description: Biofilms are formed from an assemblage of surface-associated microbial cells encased in an extracellular polymeric matrix. Stagnant water located within natural woodland ponds provides the ideal environment for the formation of thick, dense, adherent biofilms which can harbour a multitude of microbial life. The image submitted entitled “Fractured Biofilm” is a clear example of a biofilm located on the surface of a stagnant woodland pond and shows a distinct tear or “fracture” within the biofilm layer. This clearly shows how biofilms can form layers on water interacting with both the underwater microenvironment and the external atmosphere.
Tracy Brown, University of Edinburgh
If life gives you lemons…
Description: Fungal biofilm on fruit.
Irem Ozdemir, University of Southampton
Nature’s Silent Artistry: Lichen Biofilm Atop Bath Abbey
Description: Biofilms are present in a wide range of settings, spanning from natural surroundings like rivers and oceans to human-made constructs like pipelines, medical instruments, and even the dental plaque in your mouth. They exhibit a capacity to flourish in challenging environments, including the depths of deep-sea hydrothermal vents and highly acidic hot springs.
Mark Burton, University of Southampton
Oxidised Goo
Description: In this stagnant pond, bacteria oxidises the iron released from the ground water creating this bright orange slime.
Sofie Debloudts
I’m likin’ the lichen
Description: Moss and lichen colonizing a Winchester oak tree.
Jennifer Dewing, University of Southampton
Coffee Culture 1
Description: The underside of a thick blanket of mould that formed on a coffee cup over several weeks. The different colours highlight the important interactions between multiple species of microorganism within the biofilm, with the coffee providing the perfect environment and nutrients for their growth.
Mark Burton, University of Southampton
Furry Friends 2
Description: A thick, dark biofilm has formed on an abandoned drink, and forms the foundation for the growth of a plethora of mould, established over many weeks. A biofilm is a group of microorganisms that include bacteria, yeasts or fungi, and protozoa, and accumulates on surfaces exposed to water and nutrients that support bacterial life.
Jennifer Dewing, University of Southampton
Coffee Culture 2
Description: The underside of a thick blanket of mould that formed on a coffee cup over several weeks. The different colours highlight the important interactions between multiple species of microorganism within the biofilm, with the coffee providing the perfect environment and nutrients for their growth.
Jennifer Dewing, University of Southampton
Coffee Culture 3
Description: The underside of a thick blanket of mould that formed on a coffee cup over several weeks. The different colours highlight the important interactions between multiple species of microorganism within the biofilm, with the coffee providing the perfect environment and nutrients for their growth.
Jennifer Dewing, University of Southampton
Coffee Culture 4
Description: The underside of a thick blanket of mould that formed on a coffee cup over several weeks. The different colours highlight the important interactions between multiple species of microorganism within the biofilm, with the coffee providing the perfect environment and nutrients for their growth.
Jennifer Dewing, University of Southampton
Coffee Culture 5
Description: The underside of a thick blanket of mould that formed on a coffee cup over several weeks. The different colours highlight the important interactions between multiple species of microorganism within the biofilm, with the coffee providing the perfect environment and nutrients for their growth.
Matt Wilkinson
Biofilm
This photo taken by and shows a large amount of biofilm that has collected on the surface of this small stream, as it makes its way through the woodland around it.
Sholto James Witzmann, University of Southampton
A unique macro perspective of a modern soldier represented in a forest where bio films plague the very ground and bog he squats in, to the point of discomfort and unpleasant passage.
Lucinda Cusack
Biofilm climbing up wall of house by a stream.
Maria Paula Huertas, University of Dundee
Biofilm found on water stagnation.
Colourful biofilm on water stagnation found when hiking in Ben Vrackie, Scotland.
Mark Burton, University of Southampton
Murky Microbes
Description: Biofilms are a collection of microorganisms surrounded by the slime they secrete. This still and stagnant pond is the perfect breeding ground for microbes and their biofilms. The sunlight reveals the milky haze of the biofilm within the water. In general, biofilms are a sign that a pond has poor water quality and is out of balance.
Mark Burton, University of Southampton
Biofilm Brew
Description: Moulds can form their own biofilms. This old cup of tea has formed a layer of microbes that feed off the nutrients in the tea. These pathogens secrete a biofilm slime that acts as a protective coating to evade other attacking pathogens.
Lisa Avery, James Hutton Institute
Bucket Biota
Description: Bubbling biofilm after a disturbance in the water bucket.
Mahendra Raut, University of Sheffield
Bucket Biota
Description: Bubbling biofilm after a disturbance in the water bucket.
Jennifer Dewing, University of Southampton
Paint me a ‘Slimescape’
This photograph was taken at a small, quiet lake in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire. At the shallow end of the lake this bright orange ‘slime’ collects along the edges of the water as a result of bacteria that oxidises the iron released from the ground water. The reflection in the water of the blue sky above balances the bright oranges and yellows of the slime.
Rebecca Wilkinson
Biofilm: Taken in the New Forest
This photo shows the biofilm over a murky puddle in the New Forest.
Jennifer Burton
Beautiful Decay
Description: A close-up photograph of the surface of a decaying plant leaf showing the autumnal red colour changes as well as back decaying plant tissue.
Amber Hutchinson, University of Southampton
A Tale of Growth and Decay
Upon exploring World War 2 ruins in the Scottish Highlands, I was drawn into the world of the microbes, their cities built on crumbling concrete and warping steel. The subject matter of this photo displays a harmonious battle between man and nature which holds its own beauty, ever-changing, growing, and decaying.
Thibault Rosazza, University of Dundee
Biofilm on a butternut soup
After keeping my homemade soup a little too long in my fridge, I had the surprise to discover this biofilm when I opened the Tupperware. I was surprised by his similarity with noodles.
Lucinda Cusack
Biofilm climbing up wall of house by a stream.
Joey Shepherd, University of Sheffield
I just cleaned those shutters!
Description: In the Cognac region of France, biofilms of the black fungus Baudoinia compniacensis is found on almost every surface, including freshly cleaned and painted shutters. The fungus can use ethanol in vapour form as a carbon source, hence being located near sources of ‘the Angel’s Share’ of alcohol during the distilling process.
Joey Shepherd, University of Sheffield
The Angels Share
Description: In the Cognac region of France, biofilms of the black fungus Baudoinia compniacensis are found on almost every surface, including here in a tunnel in the Martell distillery. The fungus can use ethanol in vapour form as a carbon source, hence being located near sources of ‘the Angel’s Share’ of alcohol during the distilling process.
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Flower shaped lichen biofilms colonizing a metal fence.
Lichen biofilms comprised of Xanthoria parietina and Hypogymnia physodes, forming flower shaped morphologies on a metal fence. Xanthoria parietina is commonly found in the UK where the atmospheric or surface conditions provide high amounts of nitrogen. The common sources of nitrogen in these areas are thought to be release from vehicle exhausts and animal husbandry. In the past, these types of organisms were most prevalent on bird perches, thriving off the nitrogen in bird droppings. With high pollution levels in the UK presently providing nitrogen in a wider range of areas however, lichens have been able to colonize many man-made surfaces such as concrete and paint. Image Production: Kiril Rosenov Kalenderski. Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Thick biofilm coverage formed on a metal fence.
Metal fence associated biofilm, dominated by maritime sunburst lichen (Xanthoria parietina), with patches of tube lichen (Hypogymnia physodes). Lichens are not singular organisms, but rather a stable symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae/cyanobacteria. This relationship enables the fungus to obtain essential nutrients, which is why approximately 20% of all fungal life adopts this mode of growth. The autotrophic, photosynthetic algae within this relationship can vary widely, and include both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. The benefit for the algal organisms from the relationship arises from the protection which fungi provide from environmental cues via their filaments. Image Production: Kiril Rosenov Kalenderski. Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Callum Highmore, University of Southampton
You Will Never Be Alone
I painted a skull with acrylic paint, and painted a layer of different rotten foods over the top to try to stimulate biofilm growth. I experimented with adding jelly, spraying with water daily, different temperatures etc to get different things to grow in different places (e.g. hair, flowers to the side, some gross fluid coming from the jaw). The Instagram post includes a photo of the painting before incubation, and a close up of one of the ‘flowers’ to show the biofilm growth over the top. The whole thing absolutely reeks. Image cropped to fit canvas. All done by Callum Highmore, tolerated by Tash and Odin Highmore.
Callum Highmore, University of Southampton
Sprawl of the Damned
A chicken muamba left for biofilms to grow across the surface. I was going for a composition similar to Rubens’ The Fall of the Damned, because at first sight a biofilm is something to throw away, but on closer inspection it has an important part in the wider ecosystem (like the devils in the original painting). I appreciate that’s it’s obviously not clear to get that without the explanation, but I thought it was cool so I’m typing it here anyway. Image brightness and contrast adjusted slightly. Tash Highmore made the chicken muamba, Callum Highmore did the rest.
Mark Burton, University of Southampton
Mirror, Mirror
This is a close-up image of the biofilm that covers the scales of a Mirror Carp caught by myself, from a private estate lake in Southampton. The mirror carp have beautiful scale patterns that are distinct to each fish. The mucus biofilm that covers the scales can clearly be seen with the reflection of the sky above glistening in the sun, almost acting as a mirror, hence the title Mirror, Mirror. When catching these beautiful fish, the biofilm is preserved by unhooking on padded wet mats and all fish are returned safely to the lakes after photography, as the mucus biofilms are colonised by beneficial bacterial forming a hydrogel interface and favourable microenvironment which support the barrier to the fish from the outside environment.
Callum Highmore, University of Southampton
Tiny Kingdom
I sculpted a landscape out of food (various) and incubated it for a few weeks, adding extra food and spraying with sugary water at different times, to get a range of microbes growing. Image brightness and contrast adjusted slightly.
Lucinda Cusack
Biofilm in Storm Drain
Irem Ozdemir, University of Southampton
Algea Biofilm
This photo shows a form of biofilm which takes place on top of a small pond. Taken at Mansbridge Reservoir, Southampton.
Irem Ozdemir, University of Southampton
Algal Biofilm
This photo shows a form of biofilm which takes place on top of a small pond.
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Thick coverage of an extensive pond associated biofilm
Thick coverage of an extensive pond associated biofilm. Biofilms tend to form the surface of water when algae die at a rate at which degradation by naturally occurring bacteria cannot keep up. This effect can often be exacerbated over the summer months when temperatures rise. The formation of these biofilms can indicate poor water quality and a lack of balance within the pond. Once these biofilms form, they can be difficult to control due to their resilience to environmental cues. Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Distinctive biofilm morphology associated with a tree trunk
Distinctive biofilm morphology associated with a tree trunk, most likely identified as a common greenshield lichen (Flavoparmellia caperata). Biofilms can take up many different shapes or forms, with moss and lichen commonly found on trees. The moisture, nutrients, and surfaces of trees are ideal for the formation of these communities. The formation of these biofilms on trees can sometimes indicate poor plant vigour. Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
A tree associated biofilm dominating the plant surface
This is a tree associated biofilm dominating the plant surface, most likely an example of tube lichen (Hypogymnia physodes). The biofilm matrix of certain types of bacteria can cause pathogenesis in plants. One example is Xylella fastidiosa, which forms biofilms that block plant vasculature, and result in Pierce’s disease, afflicting grapes and citrus fruits. Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Multi-species biofilm formation on a tree trunk
Multi-species biofilms formation on a tree. One of the species within the biofilm can be identified as maritime sunburst lichen (Xanthoria parietina). The association of certain bacterial biofilms with plants can not only promote growth, but also protect plants from pathogens through a process called biocontrol. Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Kiril Kalenderski, University of Nottingham
Thriving lake biofilms in Verulamium park
Thriving lake biofilms in Verulamium park. Analysing biofilms communities ca provide insights into the ecological health of lake systems. Location: Verulamium park, St Albans.
Lucinda Cusack
Biofilm in small stagnant pool of water
Biofilm in small stagnant pool of water which collects from small drainage channel – slippery!
Helge Dorfmueller
Sourdough cultures biofilm
Georgios Efthimiou, University of Hull
This beautiful lawn of yellow stickiness spread shyly from the tap down into the sink, timidly granting life to the plain porcelain surface.