Real-time Imaging and Quantification of Fungal Biofilm Development Using a Two-Phase Recirculating Flow System

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Medical Mycology

Background:

• Oropharyngeal candidiasis involves Candida species adhering to and growing on oral mucosa despite salivary flow.
• Existing flow models are often costly or lack real-time imaging capabilities for cell growth studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel, cost-effective apparatus for real-time imaging of fungal biofilm development under flow.
• To enable quantification of fungal cell attachment, detachment, and biomass accumulation dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Detailed protocol for assembly and use of a new flow apparatus compatible with various light microscopes.
• Real-time imaging and data quantification of Candida albicans growth under simulated salivary flow.
• Measurement of cell adhesion/detachment rates and biofilm biomass over time.

Main Results:

• The developed system allows for economical, real-time imaging of fungal biofilm growth under flow.
• Quantification of cell attachment and detachment rates, and biomass accumulation is achievable.
• The apparatus supports extended imaging times and is versatile across different microscope types.

Conclusions:

• This novel flow system provides a cost-effective solution for studying fungal biofilm dynamics in real-time.
• It offers detailed insights into the behavior of Candida species under oral mucosal conditions.
• The system is valuable for research into oropharyngeal candidiasis and other biofilm-related fungal infections.