Near-surface Motion of Bacteria in Polymer Solutions

Many bacteria live on solid-liquid interface and they are surrounded by polymers that naturally exist or excreted by themselves. Polymers may facilitate the formation of biofilm by protecting bacteria from external stress. In addition, the interactions between swimming bacteria, polymer and surface are crucial for dynamic processes of bacteria such as surface attachment and dispersal. Here we will present our preliminary work on how polymers may affect the single cell motion pattern near solid surfaces and assist the spreading of bacterial colony.