Comparison and evaluation of immobilization methods for preparing bacterial probes using acidophilic bioleaching bacteria Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans for AFM studies

Abstract

We evaluated different strategies for constructing bacterial probes for atomic force microscopy studies of bioleaching Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans interacting with pyrite mineral surfaces. Of three available techniques, the bacterial colloidal probe technique is the most reliable and provides a versatile platform for quantifying true interactive forces between bioleaching microorganisms and mineral surfaces. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.