visualization of the bacterial cell morphology, samples were fixed
for 35 min in 2.5% glutaraldehyde. Following dehydration in a series
of ethanol concentrations of 30%, 50%, 70%, 90%, and 100% (×2)
for 15 min each, samples were sputter-coated with 7 nm of iridium
(Ir). SEM images were obtained using an FEI Verios 460L XHR-SEM under
high vacuum at an accelerating voltage of 3 kV.