I am studying a couple of bacteria which have the property of being silver resistant. I think that the mechanism of resistance is some type of controlled accumulation in the cytoplasm of the cell.
I want to use an electron microscope to see if I can spot any silver granules in the bacteria. However, using the electron microscope is very expensive. Are there any other ways for detecting silver accumulation in the cell?
Would a regular microscope be able to pick up silver granules (with some type of staining)? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Adam,
the silver sulphide is brown to black. Try treat the well washed bacteria by the sodium or potassium sulphide, e.g. 1 per cent solution for 10 minutes, wash again and make the smear. Stain the smear very weakly to identify the bacteria and observe the dry slide under oil immersion. I hope it may help. By the manipulation with the sulphide be carful, it is toxic; chiefly avoid the contact with acids.
Best regards
Pavel
- Badges
- Science method