Biofilm Dynamics in Bacterial Systems

Bacterial biofilms are structured communities in which cells adhere to surfaces and to one another, embedded within a self‐generated extracellular matrix. This matrix, composed predominantly of polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids, confers mechanical stability and protection against environmental stresses. Biofilm formation proceeds through sequential stages: initial reversible attachment, irreversible adhesion, microcolony development, maturation and dispersal. Regulation of these stages involves chemical communication by quorum sensing molecules, intracellular second messengers such as cyclic diguanosine monophosphate, and two-component signal transduction systems that integrate external cues. Physical properties of the matrix, including porosity and electrokinetic characteristics, influence nutrient transport, antimicrobial penetration and biofilm resilience. Heterogeneity within the community gives rise to microenvironments of varied oxygen tension, pH and metabolic activity, underpinning the high tolerance of biofilms to antibiotics and host defences. Biofilm research spans clinical, industrial and environmental spheres, with implications for chronic infection management, antifouling strategies and bioremediation. Advances in understanding matrix assembly, cell–cell signalling and mechanical architecture are guiding the design of targeted interventions to prevent formation, promote dispersal or sensitise biofilm cells to existing therapies.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have elucidated how the biophysical properties of surface-active polymers can be harnessed to inhibit initial bacterial adhesion. Investigations into capsular polysaccharides revealed that active anti-biofilm macromolecules share distinct electrokinetic signatures and high intrinsic viscosity, enabling the rational identification or engineering of non-biocidal polymers that prevent Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation. Parallel work on a plant-pathogenic bacterium demonstrated, at single-cell resolution, that different extracellular polymeric substances are deployed at successive life-cycle stages. Early adhesion is mediated by electrostatic interactions and polar proteins, while loosely bound matrix polymers and elongated cells form a filamentous scaffold. Maturation involves soluble matrix forming a floating architecture that maximises nutrient flux and facilitates dispersal under shear stress.

Biofilm Dynamics in Bacterial Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in biofilm dynamics in bacterial systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Biofilm: Structured microbial community attached to surfaces and encased in a self‐produced matrix.

Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS): Complex mixture of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids and lipids forming the biofilm matrix.

Quorum sensing: Cell–cell communication mechanism using chemical signals to regulate collective gene expression in response to population density.

Electrophoretic mobility: Velocity of charged particles under an electric field, reflecting surface charge and size.

References

1. Bacterial capsular polysaccharides with antibiofilm activity share common biophysical and electrokinetic properties. Nature Communications (2023).
2. Spatiotemporal distribution of different extracellular polymeric substances and filamentation mediate Xylella fastidiosa adhesion and biofilm formation. Scientific Reports (2015).
3. Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems: A Major Strategy for Connecting Input Stimuli to Biofilm Formation. Frontiers in Microbiology (2019).
4. Development of Antibiofilm Therapeutics Strategies to Overcome Antimicrobial Drug Resistance. Microorganisms (2022).