Hydrodynamic attraction of bacteria to gas and liquid interfaces

Near an interface, the distribution of swimming microorganisms such as bacteria is distinguished from inert colloidal particles because of the interfacial hydrodynamics induced by swimming. In this work, we use nontumbling flagellated bacteria, Escherichia coli, to study cell distribution near gas and liquid interfaces and compare it to the case of a solid wall. For low-viscosity ratios such as gas interfaces, we observe a stronger cell accumulation compared to that near liquid and solid surfaces. This contradicts known theoretical predictions. Therefore, we develop a model based on Brownian dynamics, including hydrodynamic effects and short-range physiochemical interactions between bacteria and interfaces. This model explains our experimental findings and can predict cell distribution near clean and surfactant-contaminated interfaces. By considering higher order singularities, this study helps explain bacteria orientation, trajectories, and cell density.