Wherever they go, and wherever they are, biofilms do two things: Grow, provided circumstances are favorable, and, according to a new study from Penn State University, change the very area they’re growing in (or on).
Oh, and they also stick to things. Think of algae on wet rock.
In recent years, biofilms have been found to be both beneficial and dangerous. Their stickiness makes them perfect for treating oil spills and groundwater and soil contamination. But they also disrupt gut microbiota and lead to tooth and gum decay. They’re best known for their role in surgery-related infections.
In their study, researchers used biofilms from a bacterium linked to cholera as a model system to demonstrate the self-shaping and self-organizing capabilities of a 3D growth system. In a simulated environment, the experiment was able to show how well these organized communities of microorganisms flourish and under what conditions.
The researchers, using a soft hydrogel and a stiff glass substrate, were able to grow the cholera cells into “dome” shapes and flatter shapes they called a “lens,” depending on changes in the growing conditions.
Understanding the interactions between biofilm growth and their environment gives scientists better insight and could eventually lead to new ways to suppress biofilms where they’re not wanted and encourage them when they are.
It may even add to the development of new classes of active growing materials that can respond to and modify their environment.
But for now, we must continue to do our part to keep some negative biofilms in check. So no need to abandon your twice-a-day toothbrushing habit.