Bacterial self-organisation through structure formation on micro-patterns.

Complex bacterial colonies are created through a process of self-organization. This process is known to be started by surface adhesion, where individual cells identify a suitable spot to adhere to and begin the process of colonization. Here we present the results of a study where we influence Myxococcus xanthus self-organization by imposing order through micropatterns. Specifically, we use maskless photolithography to create channels and patterns only a few cells across, to which bacteria preferentially adhere. By imposing boundaries that limit cells’ degrees of freedom due to the underlying surface geometry we examine the movements of individual cells and model how changes in surface geometry alter biofilm dynamics and self-organization. This type of study helps us understand how surface constraints can impact biofilm phenotype.