A Drop of Ethanol Solution Beads Up on the Surface of a <I>Bacillus subtilis</I> Biofilm Colony (IMAGE)

Harvard University

A Drop of Ethanol Solution Beads Up on the Surface of a <I>Bacillus subtilis</I> Biofilm Colony

Caption

A Bacillus subtilis biofilm, the light-colored, slimy, bacterial coating on top, displays unprecedented liquid repellency as it beads up a drop of ethanol solution that has been placed on it. This remarkable ability offers both a completely new perspective on how biofilms can protect themselves from a wide range of biocides and introduces the first model natural system for broadly non-wetting materials.

Credit

Courtesy of the laboratory of Joanna Aizenberg, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.