Scanning electron microscope imaging of bacteria based on DNA sequence

To develop a scanning electron microscopic approach using in situ hybridization (SEM-ISH) for gaining both genetic and morphological information about target bacteria.

Target cells were hybridized with DNA-targeted polynucleotide probes, and a tyramide signal amplification system was used to increase the sensitivity. The protocol of SEM-ISH enabled to detect low copy number target DNA sequences in individual cells.

SEM-ISH allowed the in situ detection of bacteria carrying a specific gene.

Combining morphological study with SEM and ISH techniques appears to be a valuable tool to understand the spatial distribution of target cells in complex microbial communities on various materials.