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Biofilm dispersion

Nature Reviews Microbiology volume 18, pages 571–586 (2020)Cite this article

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Abstract

The formation of microbial biofilms enables single planktonic cells to assume a multicellular mode of growth. During dispersion, the final step of the biofilm life cycle, single cells egress from the biofilm to resume a planktonic lifestyle. As the planktonic state is considered to be more vulnerable to antimicrobial agents and immune responses, dispersion is being considered a promising avenue for biofilm control. In this Review, we discuss conditions that lead to dispersion and the mechanisms by which native and environmental cues contribute to dispersion. We also explore recent findings on the role of matrix degradation in the dispersion process, and the distinct phenotype of dispersed cells. Last, we discuss the translational and therapeutic potential of dispersing bacteria during infection.

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Fig. 1: Biofilm formation and dispersion.
Fig. 2: Environmental conditions initiating dispersion.
Fig. 3: Sensing of dispersion cues.
Fig. 4: Mechanisms resulting in biofilm dispersal.
Fig. 5: Bacterial dissemination triggered by glycoside hydrolase treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the US National Institutes of Health (R21 AI137462-01A1 to K.P.R. and 2R01 AI080710 to K.S.) and the Ted Nash Long Life Foundation (to K.P.R.).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA

    Kendra P. Rumbaugh

  2. Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA

    Kendra P. Rumbaugh

  3. Department of the TTUHSC Surgery Burn Center of Research Excellence, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA

    Kendra P. Rumbaugh

  4. Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA

    Karin Sauer

  5. Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA

    Karin Sauer

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Glossary

Dispersion

Generally characterized as the terminal stage of biofilm development, dispersion is an active regulated event during which cells actively escape from the biofilm, leaving behind eroded biofilms and biofilms having central voids. Often referred to as ‘seeding dispersal’ or ‘dispersal’, as dispersion is assumed to lead to the translocation of bacteria to new sites for colonization.

Detachment

Characterized as the passive release or loss of biofilm cells or biofilm particles due to mechanical, physical or frictional forces. Another term used to refer to detachment is ‘dissolution’.

Shear

Strain in the structure of a substance produced by pressure.

Abrasion

Loss of biofilm cells by collisions with particles from the environment; a form of detachment.

Dissemination

The translocation of dispersed biofilm cells to new sites.

RpoS

Also referred to as ‘σ38’, a primary regulator of stationary phase genes and a central regulator of the general stress response.

Native dispersion

Dispersion in response to self-synthesized signalling molecules or cues that are likely to be the result of steep gradients within the biofilm.

Diffusive and advective transport

Processes that move nutrients, waste, gases or other compounds through the biofilm and the surrounding environment. ‘Advection’ refers to transport of compounds with fluid flow, whereas diffusion eliminates sharp discontinuities of compounds through the action of random motions.

Disassembly

The egress from biofilms and/or the disintegration of the biofilm structure in response to exogenously added matrix-degrading enzymes. The term is frequently used when it is unclear whether the released cell subpopulation retains the biofilm phenotype or adopts the dispersal phenotype.

Quorum sensing

Also referred to as ‘cell-to-cell signalling’, it refers to the regulation of gene expression in response to the production and release of chemical signal molecules called ‘autoinducers’ that increase in concentration as a function of cell density.

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Rumbaugh, K.P., Sauer, K. Biofilm dispersion. Nat Rev Microbiol 18, 571–586 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-020-0385-0

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