Abdul Rani, SurianiPitts, BetseyStewart, Philip S.2017-07-202017-07-202005-01Abdul Rani S, Pitts B, Stewart PS, "Rapid diffusion of fluorescent tracers into Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms visualized by time lapse microscopy," Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2005 49(2):728-7320066-4804https://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/13364The transient diffusion of fluorescent tracers into biofilm cell clusters of Staphylococcus epidermidis was visualized by time lapse confocal scanning laser microscopy. Rhodamine B diffused into the center of cell clusters that were 200 to 600 micron in diameter within a few minutes. The apparent effective diffusion coefficient calculated from these data averaged 3.7 x 10(-7) cm(2) s(-1) or 11% of the value in pure water. Fluorescein diffused into biofilm more rapidly, with a diffusion coefficient that averaged 1.6 x 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1), or 32% of the value in water. This study provides direct, visual confirmation that solutes the size of many antibiotics and biocides can diffuse rapidly into biofilms.Article