Surface-associated microbes continue to surprise us in their sophisticated strategies for assembling biofilm communities

Abstract

Microorganisms are rarely found in isolation. Frequently, they live as complex consortia or communities known as biofilms. The microbes within these complex structures are typically enmeshed in a matrix of macromolecules collectively known as the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The last decade has seen enormous growth in the breadth and depth of biofilm-related research. An important area of focus has been the study of pure culture biofilms of different model species. This work has informed us about the different genetic determinants involved in biofilm formation and the environmental conditions that influence the process. These studies have also highlighted both species-specific aspects of biofilm development and common trends observed across many different organisms. This report highlights some exciting findings in recent biofilm-related research.

Figure 1.. New events involved in biofilm development

A traditional figure depicting different stages of biofilm development. Detailed in letters below are recent discoveries important for this process discussed in the text of the report. This includes the appearance of colony morphology variants that have been isolated from mature biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Abbreviations: eDNA, extracellular DNA; PS, polysaccharide; RSCV, rugose small-colony variant.