Introduction
Microbial art is a living art from pathogen. It is a form of artistic expression. The artist uses microorganism in place of paints to draw from their imagination1. The art and science has combined to create this fascinatingly intricate subject. This subject has now encouraged creativity, which has improved cognitive abilities and sparked young people interest in science. The discovery of microbiological art
Microbiology and art have long coexisted. Till our knowledge, Sir Alexander Fleming was the first person to consciously use microbes and their colors to create the art. Fleming discovered a study in 1928 while cultivating staphylococci that explained how coloration could be used to measure virulence, which sparked the differences in his scientific illustrations3. Fleming developed "mould medallions" as symbolic gifts while working on techniques to preserve and display the Penicillium mould from his laboratory. Penicillium mould samples were put between two lenses for preservation and safe display after being inoculated on discs of blotting paper or cellophane. These medallions represent the earliest instances of fungal art by overlapping the areas of art and science that are known.
Fig-1 First ever known example of microbial art by Sir Alexander Fleming
Fungus sealed inside glass plates.
1. Methodology
Agar plates, inoculating loop, Bunsen burner, incubator and microbes such as Bacillus subtilis, Chromobacteriumviolaceum, Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus roseus, Proteus Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains containing various pigments, etc. are necessary for the creation of microbial art.
2. Procedure of Microbial Art
The creator of microbial art begins by formulating a plan beforehand regarding the vibrant bacteria. Before inoculating, allow the agar surface to dry and the plates to warm up at room temperature. Colorful organisms should cover the portrait. Observe the agar plate after it has been incubated.
Fig-2 Microbes and the art
3. Significance of Microbial Art
1. The microbial art revolves around fields of art and microbiology. The field has made two seemingly different domains to collaborate and explore the world of microbial art. Hence, the subject has bridge the gap between art and science. It allows artist to engage with scientific theories and then, communicate the ideas to wider audience in a creative manner.
2. The idea of bringing students and the general public together to appreciate the beauty of microbes has become more well-liked worldwide. The first ASM Agar Art Contest was introduced by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) in 2015.
3. Many scientist societies, [e.g., federation of European microbiology (FEMS) and microbiology society], universities, exhibition and community labs have been arranged for agar art events which has brought public attention.
4. The microbial art has promoted the field of microbiology as the scientist are now exploring the invisible world of microbiology. This has led to more advancement and new discoveries about lifestyle of the tiny living beings.
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