Microimaging of Algal Bioconvection by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

Local bioconvection generated by algal flagellar movement was imaged by scanning electrochemical microscopy. As a microelectrode probe vertically approached an individual multicellular flagellate alga, Volvox carteri, an oxidation current of a coexisting redox marker ([Fe(CN)6]4-) increased gradually, due to bioconvective enhancement of mass transport, and eventually decreased because the algal body blocked the diffusion of the marker. Two-dimensional imaging of the bioconvection of an individual alga was also possible. The bioconvective enhancement of the current was hindered by a toxic compound that inhibits the flagellar movement.