Biofilm Geometry: How Local Interactions Shape Macroscopic Structures
2025-04-22
New research unveils the geometric secrets of bacterial biofilm growth. Researchers discovered that the contact angle of cells at the biofilm's edge dictates growth patterns, impacting overall fitness. A high contact angle leads to increased vertical growth, while a low contact angle promotes horizontal spread. These local cell-cell interactions ultimately shape the macroscopic structure of the entire biofilm, offering insights into how cell collectives form multicellular individuals.