The Art of Biofilm Photography: From Petri Dish to Portrait | The Scientist

A microbiologist blends science and art to bring biofilms to life. His work, showcased in museums and books, captivates scientists and curious minds alike.

Microbiologist Scott Chimileski studies microbial biofilms at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), exploring their intricate interactions and structural organization. His first brush with biofilms began during his graduate studies at the University of Connecticut, where he used confocal microscopy to capture time-lapse images of halophilic archaeal biofilms, which are relatively underexplored. “That’s where I really recognized the beauty of biofilms and their visual aspects,” he shared.

A lifelong interest in photography complemented his scientific pursuits, and the two passions merged fully during his postdoctoral work in Roberto Kolter’s lab at Harvard Medical School. Kolter, a fellow enthusiast for the artistic aspects of science, encouraged Chimileski to nurture this pursuit. “The two became totally, irreversibly intertwined,” Chimileski added.

Ever since, Chimileski has captured the intricate structures of hundreds of bacterial biofilms at microscopic and macroscopic scales. Using a custom incubator camera setup, he created detailed time-lapse videos of colony growth, while electron microscopy allowed him to delve into cellular interactions at the micron level. This work resulted in a rich collection of detailed time-lapses. His extensive portfolio showcases bacteria with unique traits, using photography to share the beauty and complexity of microbes with scientists and the public alike. Read rest of the article here.

The Art of Biofilm Photography: From Petri Dish to Portrait | The Scientist