Abstract
The ability to capture images of results or processes is an important tool in the biologist’s tool kit. In microbiology, capturing high-quality images of microbial growth on agar plates is difficult due to the reflective surface of the plates and limitations in common photography techniques. Equipment is available to overcome these challenges, but acquisition costs are high. We have developed and tested an inexpensive and efficient apparatus for high-quality imaging of microbial colonies. The imaging box, as we have named the apparatus, is designed to eliminate glare and reduce reflections on the surface of the plate while providing uniform, diffuse light from all sides. The imaging box was used to capture hundreds of images in research and teaching lab settings.
Highlights
Since its invention in 1839, photography has been utilized in science to document natural phenomena for later analysis (Wilder, 2009)
We have developed an inexpensive apparatus for capturing high-quality images of colonies on agar plates
The image captured of an lysogeny broth (LB) replica plate with the light box shows a uniform background level of light intensity from which colonies stand out as crisp, defined peaks in both a profile plot and a threedimensional surface plot (Figure 2A, left panels)
Summary
Since its invention in 1839, photography has been utilized in science to document natural phenomena for later analysis (Wilder, 2009). High-quality images of microbial colonies on agar plates are important for research and education. Images can be used to preserve experimental results for further analysis and can be used as teaching material in lectures, textbooks, and online homework. It is difficult to capture quality images of colonies due to the nature of the agar plates. Whether glass or plastic, and the agar are reflective, but light is needed to capture images of colonies. This can result in a glare or a reflection appearing in the plate image, affecting the visibility of the colonies
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