3D-fluorescence in situ hybridization of intact, anaerobic biofilm

FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) is a valuable technique to visualize and quantify localization of different microbial species within biofilms. Biofilm conformation can be altered during typical sample preparation for FISH, which can impact observations in multispecies biofilms, including the relative positions of cells. Here, we describe methods to preserve 3-D structure during FISH for visualization of an anaerobic coculture biofilm of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough and Methanococcus maripaludis.