Images of Research: Forging sustainable futures

How does your biofilm grow

Category: Protecting our planet

A 3D microscopy image of a damaged biofilm

Bacteria can attach themselves to materials in the form of a ‘biofilm’, with effects ranging from beneficial to harmful. In this 3D microscopy image, we see black ‘holes’ in the biofilm, caused by a novel antimicrobial that has restricted formation of the coating. Understanding biofilm growth has many practical applications, from effective design of bio-corrosion resistant nuclear waste storage containers to optimising antimicrobials for the treatment of disease.

Entrant: Ronald Turner

Copyright: Ronald Turner