Harvesting and Disaggregation: An Overlooked Step in Biofilm Methods Research

Biofilm methods consist of four distinct steps: growing the biofilm in a relevant model, treating mature biofilm, harvesting from surface and disaggregating clumps, analyzing sample. Of steps, disaggregation are least studied but nonetheless critical when considering potential for test bias. This article demonstrates commonly used techniques grown on three different surfaces. The techniques, gleaned an extensive literature review, include vortexing sonication, scraping homogenization, scraping, sonication. Two types considered: hard non-porous (polycarbonate borosilicate glass) porous (silicone). Additionally, we provide recommendations minimum information that should be included reporting technique followed accompanying method to check