FIG 3.

Biofilm formation on the implants. On postoperative day 7, the implants from S. epidermidis-infected and uninfected mice were harvested, the fibrous-tissue capsules were removed, and the surfaces of the titanium discs were analyzed for biofilm formation by variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP-SEM). Representative VP-SEM images (representing 1 of 3 mice per group with similar results) are shown. The left panels represent a low-power magnification (×15), and the right panels show a higher magnification (×150) of the area boxed in white. Biofilm formation is readily seen on discs harvested from S. epidermidis-infected mice, whereas only the metal surface is seen on implants from uninfected mice.