Autofluorescence as a tool for structural analysis of biofilms formed by nonpigmented rapidly growing mycobacteria

Abstract

The structure of biofilms formed by seven nonpigmented rapidly growing mycobacteria, including saprophytes and opportunistic species, was analyzed. Analysis included amount of covered surface, thickness, cell viability, and presence of intrinsic autofluorescence at different times using confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis. Autofluorescence was detected inside and outside cells of all mycobacteriaThis study was funded by a grant from the Spanish Ministry of Science (FUNCOAT CSD 2008-00023