Chemical and Structural Spatial Distribution of Biofilms
Material Measurement Laboratory, Biosystems and Biomaterials Division
NIST only participates in the February and August reviews.
Biofilms are complex, heterogeneous, three-dimensional structures. Novel techniques to evaluate the spatial distribution of chemical signatures and three-dimensional structure within a biofilm would provide information and insight into biofilm behaviors. This research opportunity involves using advanced imaging techniques coupled with quantitative bioassays to measure variations found within biofilms and to determine the effects of the underlying substratum on the biofilm chemical and physical structure. In addition, biofilms can be composed of multiple species. These techniques have the potential to elucidate the spatial distribution of individual species within multi-species biofilms in a nondestructive manner.