ABOVE: © NICOLLE FULLER
To interrogate bacterial nanotubes, researchers first grow the bacteria in culture, then use sophisticated microscopy techniques and different readouts such as fluorescent tags to check whether cells are exchanging materials. The behavior and morphology of bacterial cells can differ depending on the specifics of each step, giving rise to varied observations and, sometimes, conflicting results.
Bacteria can be grown either on solid media or in liquid broth. Depending on the species, growth conditions can influence bacterial behavior and appearance.
Bacteria grown in both types of media have been seen to produce nanotubes, but some labs have been unable to observe them in either one type or the other.
Observing whole cells or colonies can reveal the transfer of fluorescent proteins, plasmids, metabolites, and more.
Various methods have been used to observe nanotubes, but some labs have been unable to observe certain types of material transfer.
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