Center for Biofilm Engineering

Abstract:  

"Transmission Electron Microscopic Study of Antibiotic Action on Klebsiella pneumoniae Biofilm" 

02-028   The penetration of ampicillin and ciprofloxacin through biofilms formed by Klebsiella pneumoniae was confirmed by transmission electron microscopic observation of antibiotic-affected cells at the distal edge of the biofilm. Because the bacteria nevertheless survived antibiotic treatment, some protective mechanism other than inadequate penetration must have been at work in the biofilm.

Zahller, J., and Stewart, P., "Transmission Electron Microscopic Study of Antibiotic Action on Klebsiella pneumoniae Biofilm," Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 46(8):2679-2683 (2002).