Abstract : We have developed a new method for accurate quantification of dead microbial cells. This technique employs the simultaneous use of fluorescent hydrazides and nucleic acid dyes. Fluorescent hydrazides allow detection of cells that cannot be detected with currently used high-affinity nucleic acid dyes. This is particularly important for nongrowing bacterial populations and for multicellular communities containing physiologically heterogeneous cell populations, such as colonies and biofilms.
Claude Saint-Ruf, Corinne Cordier, Jérome Megret, Ivan Matic. Reliable Detection of Dead Microbial Cells by Using Fluorescent Hydrazides. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, American Society for Microbiology, 2010, 76 (5), pp.1674-1678. ⟨10.1128/AEM.02125-09⟩. ⟨inserm-02173973⟩