Figure 6 | Scientific Reports

Figure 6

From: Fabrication of a silver particle-integrated silicone polymer-covered metal stent against sludge and biofilm formation and stent-induced tissue inflammation

Figure 6

SEM and light microscopy images of biofilm on the inner surface of 6 stents.

SEM images of biofilm on 3 stents in the control (A–C) and test (D–F) groups (original magnification, ×6,000; bar = 2 μm). Biofilm was attached to the silicone membrane (*). Control group stents exhibited heterogeneous biofilm consisting of both spherical (diameter 2.0 ± 0.28 μm) and rod-shaped bacteria, and showed two biofilm patterns. One comprised a layer of spherical bacteria beneath a layer of rod-shaped bacteria (B,C). The second comprised spherical bacteria among the rod-shaped bacteria (A). In the test group, homogeneous and amorphous biofilm comprising only rod-shaped bacteria was observed. Light micrographs are cross-sectional views of the silicone membrane and biofilm (original magnification × 400, bar = 10 μm). Black arrow indicates spherical bacteria (B,C). Mean (SD) biofilm thickness was 3.32 (0.38) μm in the test group and 10.62 (1.15) μm in the control group (P < 0.01).

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