Network patterns in exponentially growing two-dimensional biofilms

作者:Zachreson Cameron*; Yap Xinhui; Gloag Erin S; Shimoni Raz; Whitchurch Cynthia B; Toth Milos
来源:PHYSICAL REVIEW E, 2017, 96(4): 042401.
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevE.96.042401

摘要

Anisotropic collective patterns occur frequently in the morphogenesis of two-dimensional biofilms. These patterns are often attributed to growth regulation mechanisms and differentiation based on gradients of diffusing nutrients and signaling molecules. Here, we employ a model of bacterial growth dynamics to show that even in the absence of growth regulation or differentiation, confinement by an enclosing medium such as agar can itself lead to stable pattern formation over time scales that are employed in experiments. The underlying mechanism relies on path formation through physical deformation of the enclosing environment.

  • 出版日期2017-10-4