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Some Observations On The Structure Of Encrusting Biofilms Of Proteus Mirabilis On Urethral Catheters, C. Winters, D. J. Stickler, N. S. Howe, T. J. Williams, N. Wilkinson, C. J. Buckley

Cells and Materials

A physical model of the bladder has been used to study the process of urinary catheter encrustation. Techniques have been devised for the preparation of sections through these encrustations in situ on the luminal surfaces of catheters and for mapping the distribution of calcium and magnesium in the biofilms. Transmission electron microscopy on these sections showed struvite-like crystals lying in the matrix and in direct contact with the catheter surface. Calcium phosphate ("bioapatite") was distributed throughout the film and many of these amorphous particles appear to have cells at their cores. Freeze-substituted sections of biofilms also showed electron dense materials …