VISUALIZATION OF BACTERIAL GLYCOCALYX WITH A SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPE

Using a new technique for scanning electron microscopic preparation, b acterial glycocalyx is seen in its natural, highly hydrated state for the first time, Visual images of the glycocalyx obtained from these pr eparations are a marked departure from the visual images of glycocalyx obtained previously with conventional scanning electron microscopic a nalysis, The dominating presence of glycocalyx visualized in its natur ally hydrated state gives credence to the role of bacterial glycocalyx as a mechanical barrier to host defenses and antibiotics and supports the role of glycocalyx as a significant factor in bacterial virulence .