Scanning Acoustic Microscope
Acoustic and optical estimates of a Pseudomonas Aeruginosa B0267 biofilm surface. Read more at technet.pnl.gov
Researchers use scanning acoustic microscopy (AM) to yield information about the structure and material properties of living biological systems in a noninvasive manner. AM is very sensitive to localized changes thickness, material density, elasticity, and viscosity and permits deep three-dimensional imaging of structures, heterogeneity, and porosity, even in optically opaque samples.
Current research at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) using the scanning acoustic microscope includes developing and demonstrating AM-based capabilities to better understand the community structure of and dynamic, space-time processes in three-dimensional, heterogeneous, living biofilms. AM also has the potential to provide insight into the dynamics of biofilm growth and the effects of stimuli to enhance or restrict growth of the biofilm.
