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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
Candida albicans Biofilm Development on Medically-relevant Foreign Bodies in a Mouse Subcutaneous Model Followed by Bioluminescence Imaging
Published on: January 27, 2015
Scanning electron microscopy of biofilms adherent to the inner catheter surface
A G Pogorelov1, I V Chebotar, V N Pogorelova
1Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia, agpogorelov@rambler.ru.
Abstract:
The inner surface of the drainage catheter used in surgical interventions for biliary system pathologies was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Microflora in the catheter lumen reflects etiological characteristics of the pathological process and helps to predict possible complications. The developed scanning electron microscopy imaging technique of visualization of the fi ne spatial structure of microbial biofilm formed on the catheter surface allows describing the cell pool and structure of the biofilm.
Insights
Microbial biofilms on biliary drainage catheters were visualized using scanning electron microscopy. This technique helps understand infection causes and predict surgical complications in biliary pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Biliary drainage catheters are crucial in managing biliary system pathologies.
- Microflora within the catheter lumen can indicate disease etiology and predict complications.
- Understanding biofilm structure on catheter surfaces is essential for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbial biofilm on the inner surface of biliary drainage catheters.
- To establish a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique for visualizing catheter-associated microbial structures.
- To correlate biofilm characteristics with etiological factors and potential complications in biliary interventions.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the inner surface of used biliary drainage catheters.
- A novel SEM imaging technique was developed for high-resolution visualization of microbial biofilms.
- Analysis focused on the spatial structure and cell composition of the formed biofilm.
Main Results:
- SEM revealed distinct microbial biofilm structures within the catheter lumen.
- The visualization technique successfully depicted the fine spatial organization of microorganisms.
- Biofilm characteristics were observed to reflect the etiological nature of the biliary pathological process.
Conclusions:
- The developed SEM technique provides detailed insights into microbial biofilm on biliary drainage catheters.
- Visualizing catheter microflora aids in understanding the pathological process and predicting complications.
- This method enhances diagnostic capabilities for biliary interventions.
