Fig. 4
(a–e) Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. (a) E. coli K-12 MG1655 cells, (b) E. coli cells flocculated with compound 8 after 30 min of incubation, (c–e) time-dependent study showing E. coli cells incubated with compound 8 for 5, 15, and 30 min, respectively, to assess flocculation progression. (f–k) Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images acquired in fluid (deionised water) using Peak Force Quantitative Nanomechanical (PFQNM) mode. (f–h) Control sample (E. coli cells): (f) topography image, (g) modulus map, and (h) adhesion map. (i–k) Flocculated E. coli cells: (i) topography image, (j) modulus map, and (k) adhesion map. Areas marked “NM” (non-measured) correspond to pixels where mechanical properties could not be calculated due to insufficient or inconsistent force curve fitting.
