Controlling Geometry and Flow Through Bacterial Bridges on Patterned Lubricant-Infused Surfaces (pLIS)

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Surface Science
• Bioengineering

Background:

• Understanding bacterial social interactions and biofilm formation is crucial for studying biofilm-related diseases.
• Controlling bacterial spatial organization on surfaces is key to investigating these processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for fabricating connective structures between bacterial colonies.
• To investigate the role of these structures in inter-colony transport and communication.
• To utilize these structures for studying biofilm development and bacterial interactions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing patterned lubricant-infused surfaces (pLIS) fabricated via a dewetting method.
• Employing predesigned superhydrophobic-hydrophilic patterns to control bridge geometry and distribution.
• Observing the formation of bacterial bridges between Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonies.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated connective structures termed "bacterial bridges" between bacterial colonies.
• Demonstrated that bacteria on hydrophilic areas and lubricant-infused borders contribute to bridge formation.
• Showed that bacterial bridges function as bio-microfluidic channels for transporting liquids, nutrients, and antibacterial substances.
• Confirmed that bridge geometry and distribution are controllable via surface patterning.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial bridges offer a novel tool for controlling bacterial spatial organization and studying inter-colony dynamics.
• These bio-microfluidic channels facilitate the transport of essential substances, influencing biofilm development.
• The developed method provides insights into bacterial communication and the spread of substances within and between biofilms.