Three-dimensional visualisation of bacterial interactions with nano-structured surfaces

In recent years there has been a growing interest in understanding the ways in which bacteria interact with nano-structured surfaces. Bacterial interaction with surfaces has become a problem in that it can be both an economic and health risk. As a result, there is a need for innovative approaches to enable researchers to understand the biological processes taking place when bacterial cells approach a substrate surface, despite the fact that these processes are not possible to directly observe. One promising avenue is to take advantages of advances in computer technology and computer graphics to enable high-quality 3D visualisation of the processes taking place. ! The objective of this research was to develop a novel methodological approach for the 3D visualisation of nano-structured surfaces and their interaction with bacterial cells. The approach would seek a balance between the artistic and scientific representation of bacterial interactions. Researchers would be encouraged to be involved in the 3D visualisation process as a way of enhancing their own insight and understanding of the processes taking place. The desired outcome would be the development of a simplified method for producing high-quality 3D movies and images of the research data to support both scientific publications and public presentations.