Surface indentation and fluid intake generated by the polymer matrix of Bacillus subtilis biofilms

Soft Matter
W ZhangThomas E Angelini

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms are highly structured, surface associated bacteria colonies held together by a cell-generated polymer network known as EPS (extracellular polymeric substance). This polymer network assists in adhesion to surfaces and generates spreading forces as colonies grow over time. In the laboratory and in nature, biofilms often grow at the interface between air and an elastic, semi-permeable nutrient source. As this type of biofilm increases in volume, an accommodating compression of its substrate may arise, potentially driven by the osmotic pressure exerted by the EPS against the substrate surface. Here we study Bacillus subtilis biofilm force generation by measuring the magnitude and rate of deformation imposed by colonies against the agar-nutrient slabs on which they grow. We find that the elastic stress stored in deformed agar is orders of magnitude larger than the drag stress associated with pulling fluid through the agar matrix. The stress exerted by the biofilm is nearly the same as the osmotic pressure generated by the EPS, and mutant colonies incapable of producing EPS exert much lower levels of stress. The fluid flow rate into B. subtilis biofilms suggest that EPS generated pressure provides some metabolic be...Continue Reading

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Citations

Feb 18, 2017·Microorganisms·Eisha MhatreÁkos T Kovács
May 15, 2018·Physical Biology·Benedikt von BronkMadeleine Opitz
Feb 14, 2016·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·Sara KeselMadeleine Opitz
Mar 27, 2019·Physical Biology·Vernita GordonKristin Kovach

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