Single-cell analysis method for twitching motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract:

Twitching motility is very important for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the adaptation of surface environment and in the 3-D structure formation of mature biofilm. To quantitatively characterize twitching motility in situ, we developed a method by combining high-throughput data acquisition, automatic image processing and database establishment. This method is based on single cell analysis and big data visualization. A periodic relaxation of 0.9 second was resolved during slingshot motility analysis. Twitching motilities of bacteria under addition of two quorum sensing signaling molecules were studied, cells moved faster after signal addition. This method may help understand the molecular mechanism and regulatory circuits of twitching motility.

Key words:twitching motility, biofilm, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, new method and new technology