Fluid flow reduces bacterial growth and colonization on surfaces, which has been explained by increased cell detachment. However, Hubert et al. show that the reduction in population growth is due not only to cell detachment but also to reduced cell division rate, suggesting that bacteria can respond to fluid flow by entering a growth arrest state and enhancing their adhesion to surfaces.
- Antoine Hubert
- Hervé Tabuteau
- Tanguy Le Borgne
