Biofilm dynamics under starvation

Biofilms, complex communities of microorganisms, exhibit structural and functional adaptations that enhance their survival under various environmental stresses. Nutrient scarcity, a common environmental stress, likely plays a pivotal role in biofilm structure and dynamics. While extensive research has sought to understand the growth of biofilms, fundamental questions remain regarding how nutrient limitation alters biofilm structure and the processes governing its response to environmental deprivation. In this study we investigate the biophysical consequences of nutrient deprivation, focusing on the effects of starvation on biofilm decay. We observed that taller biofilms experience more pronounced height decay under starvation compared to smaller biofilms, suggesting that biofilm size influences susceptibility to nutrient limitation. Through a combination of experimental techniques, including interferometry [1,2], we have been exploring how different factors such as water evaporation and extracellular matrix production can impact this observation. By combining these insights, we seek to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of starvation on biofilms. Starvation is so common, it may in fact represent the default mode of biofilms. Thus, understanding the biophysical consequences of starvation may lead to a better understanding of biofilms in natural settings.