Material properties of biofilms—key methods for understanding permeability and mechanics
Author(s)
Billings, Nicole; Birjiniuk, Alona; Ribbeck, Katharina; Samad, Tahoura Sajida; Doyle, Patrick S.![Thumbnail](/bitstream/handle/1721.1/101766/Material%20properties%20of.pdf.jpg?sequence=4&isAllowed=y)
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Material properties of biofilms—a review of methods for understanding permeability and mechanics
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Microorganisms can form biofilms, which are multicellular communities surrounded by a hydrated extracellular matrix of polymers. Central properties of the biofilm are governed by this extracellular matrix, which provides mechanical stability to the 3D biofilm structure, regulates the ability of the biofilm to adhere to surfaces, and determines the ability of the biofilm to adsorb gases, solutes, and foreign cells. Despite their critical relevance for understanding and eliminating of biofilms, the materials properties of the extracellular matrix are understudied. Here, we offer the reader a guide to current technologies that can be utilized to specifically assess the permeability and mechanical properties of the biofilm matrix and its interacting components. In particular, we highlight technological advances in instrumentation and interactions between multiple disciplines that have broadened the spectrum of methods available to conduct these studies. We review pioneering work that furthers our understanding of the material properties of biofilms.
Date issued
2015-02Department
Harvard University--MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Biological Engineering; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Chemical EngineeringJournal
Reports on Progress in Physics
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Citation
Billings, Nicole, Alona Birjiniuk, Tahoura S Samad, Patrick S Doyle, and Katharina Ribbeck. “Material Properties of Biofilms—a Review of Methods for Understanding Permeability and Mechanics.” Reports on Progress in Physics 78, no. 3 (February 1, 2015): 036601.
Version: Author's final manuscript
ISSN
0034-4885
1361-6633