Cling Film

Bacteria grow at an ever increasing, exponential rate – their invisible spread a challenge to combat in kitchens and hospitals. In this sprawling community, or biofilm, of Vibrio cholerae bacteria a pattern develops under a microscope, influenced by the struggle for space and food. Scientists simulating biofilms with mathematical models – using equations to represent different stresses on bacterial life – managed to reproduce a strange quirk seen in real life – wrinkles. They believe these crinkly 'starburst' patterns are caused by a balance of growth and mechanical forces used as the bacteria attach to different surfaces. The team hope their models can predict weaknesses in spreading biofilms, aiding the design new materials more resistant to growth for safer transplants or tissue engineering.

Written by John Ankers

John Ankers

Writer

A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

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• Image from work by Chenyi Fei and colleagues
• Department of Molecular Biology and Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton
• Image copyright held by the original authors
• Research published in PNAS, March 2020