Pattern Formation Exhibited by Biofilm Formation within Microfluidic Chambers

This article investigates the dynamics of an important bacterial pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, within artificial plant xylem. The bacterium is the causative agent of a variety of diseases that strike fruit-bearing plants including Pierce’s disease of grapevine. Biofilm colonization within microfluid...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inBiophysical journal Vol. 104; no. 9; pp. 1867 - 1874
Main Authors Cogan, N.G., Donahue, M.R., Whidden, Mark, De La Fuente, Leonardo
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Elsevier Inc 07.05.2013
Biophysical Society
The Biophysical Society
Subjects
Bacteria
Biofilms
Biofilms - growth & development
Cell Biophysics
Chemicals
Mathematical models
Microfluidics
Models, Biological
Plant diseases
Vitis - microbiology
Xylella - physiology
Xylem - microbiology
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Summary:This article investigates the dynamics of an important bacterial pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, within artificial plant xylem. The bacterium is the causative agent of a variety of diseases that strike fruit-bearing plants including Pierce’s disease of grapevine. Biofilm colonization within microfluidic chambers was visualized in a laboratory setting, showing robust, regular spatial patterning. We also develop a mathematical model, based on a multiphase approach that is able to capture the spacing of the pattern and points to the role of the exopolymeric substance as the main source of control of the pattern dynamics. We concentrate on estimating the attachment/detachment processes within the chamber because these are two mechanisms that have the potential to be engineered by applying various chemicals to prevent or treat the disease.
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ISSN:0006-3495
1542-0086
DOI:10.1016/j.bpj.2013.03.037