Scientific illustration as a multiscale framework for representing biofilms

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Scientific Illustration
• Biofilm Research

Background:

• Current scientific literature often uses simplified diagrams for biofilms, which fail to capture their real-world complexity and environmental dependence.
• Visual representations significantly influence scientific communication and conceptual understanding of microbial structures like biofilms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a conceptual visual framework for representing the classical biofilm life cycle across various scales and environments.
• To enhance the depiction of biofilm heterogeneity, structural complexity, and environmental interactions.

Main Methods:

• Collaboration between a microbiologist and a scientific illustrator to create a visual framework.
• Integration of the biofilm life cycle stages (adhesion, growth, matrix production, remodelling, dispersal) into complex microbial scenes.
• Utilisation of graphical guidance, including color-coding and isometric projection, for clarity across scales.

Main Results:

• Development of a visual framework that embeds the biofilm life cycle within heterogeneous microbial communities and real-world settings (e.g., domestic environments).
• Illustrations depict biofilm processes as coexisting and locally variable rather than rigidly separated stages.
• The framework connects microscopic mechanisms to macroscopic situations, showing microbial and structural diversity.

Conclusions:

• The new visual framework supports reasoning, teaching, and interdisciplinary communication about biofilm organisation.
• It offers a more accurate and comprehensive representation of biofilms compared to traditional simplified diagrams.
• The multiformat approach enhances the accessibility and understanding of complex biofilm structures and dynamics.