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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.10.24.513442

Physico-chemical characterization of single bacteria and spores using optical tweezers

Nilsson, D. P.·Jonsmoen, U. L.·Malyshev, D.·Oberg, R.·Wiklund, K.·Andersson, M.
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Abstract

Spore-forming pathogenic bacteria are adapted for adhering to surfaces, and their endospores can tolerate strong chemicals making decontamination difficult. Understanding the physico-chemical properties of bacteria and spores is therefore essential in developing antiadhesive surfaces and disinfection techniques. However, measuring physico-chemical properties in bulk does not show the heterogeneity between cells. Characterizing bacteria on a single-cell level can provide mechanistic clues usually hidden in bulk measurements. This paper shows how optical tweezers can be applied to characterize single bacteria and spores, and how physico-chemical properties related to adhesion, fluid dynamics, biochemistry, and metabolic activity can be assessed.

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Nilsson, D. P., Jonsmoen, U. L., Malyshev, D., Oberg, R., Wiklund, K., Andersson, M.. 2022-10-24. Physico-chemical characterization of single bacteria and spores using optical tweezers. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.10.24.513442

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