Analysis of the spatial arrangement of microorganisms adhering to solid surfaces — Methods of presenting results

Analysis of the spatial arrangement of microorganisms adhering to solid surfaces can yield information on the pair distribution functions between adhering microorganisms. Since a distribution function quantitatively describes the degree of collection of near neighbour cells by an adhering microorganism, one of the corollaries of positive cooperativity in microbial adhesion, it can be considered as a direct observation of positive cooperativity. There are numerous ways in which pair distribution functions can be determined and presented, depending on the experimental possibilities and degree of accuracy required. In this paper, an overview is given of various presentation forms for pair distribution functions and a discussion of their advantages (or disadvantages) and typical features. Possible artefacts arising from the calculational procedures and statistical limitations are emphasized.

Key words:

• Pair distribution function
• microbial adhesion
• deposition
• spatial arrangement