RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The role of surface adhesion on the macroscopic wrinkling of biofilms
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 2021.12.09.471895
DO 10.1101/2021.12.09.471895
A1 Steffen Geisel
A1 Eleonora Secchi
A1 Jan Vermant
YR 2021
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2021/12/10/2021.12.09.471895.abstract
AB Biofilms, bacterial communities of cells encased by a self-produced matrix, exhibit a variety of three-dimensional structures. Specifically, channel networks formed within the bulk of the biofilm have been identified to play an important role in the colonies viability by promoting the transport of nutrients and chemicals. Here, we study channel formation and focus on the role of the adhesion of the biofilm matrix to the substrate in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms grown under constant flow in microfluidic channels. We perform phase contrast and confocal laser scanning microscopy to examine the development of the biofilm structure as a function of the substrates surface energy. The formation of the wrinkles and folds is triggered by a mechanical buckling instability, controlled by biofilm growth rate and the film’s adhesion to the substrate. The three-dimensional folding gives rise to hollow channels that rapidly increase the overall volume occupied by the biofilm and facilitate bacterial movement inside them. The experiments and analysis on mechanical instabilities for the relevant case of a bacterial biofilm grown during flow enable us to predict and control the biofilm morphology.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.