Ensayo Biologia

The Biofilm Mode of Life
Staffan Kjelleberg and Michael Givskov

2

Abstract Recent advances in studies of biofilm systems have generated a wealth of novel information on multicellular prokaryotic biology and have established models for the formation of biofilms and the biology of their lifecycles. As a prelude to the subsequent chapters in this volume, this introductory article is aimed atidentifying the contextual scientific and experimental framework for contemporary biofilm research programs, and addresses the strengths and weaknesses of some of the current key biofilm models. We will discuss whether or not a unique biofilm specific gene expression underpins our observations on biofilm structure and biology. Further, we will highlight the limitations inherent to current geneticand physiological analyses of bacterial biofilms, including the strengths and weaknesses of the molecular toolbox and the biofilm assays commonly employed. Moreover, the extent by which multiple parallel pathways of biofilm formation exist will be addressed, with reference also to applications for novel control strategies based on contemporary advances in studies of bacterial biofilms. The chapterwill conclude by discussing the relevance of a consensus view of bacterial biofilm formation and biology. Biofilm organization and differentiation Bacterial biofilms are multicellular consortia in which cells are embedded in an extracellular matrix at close proximity to one another. Such consortia are generally studied to assess particular properties of biofilms attached to solid surfaces, butthey occur also as multicellular aggregates, flocs and granules suspended in the aqueous phase in many habitats. Biofilms of these kinds can be accommodated by single species, but in most cases in natural as well as artificial systems, they are mixed species consortia, ranging from phylogenetically highly diverse communities ( Juretschko et al., 2002; Lyautey et al., 2005; Taylor et al., 2004) tothose in which one or a restricted number of species will be numerically and functionally dominant (Tujula et al., 2006). Intriguingly, whether biofilms consist of one or a mixture of a range of species, they display similarities with respect to architectural features and behavioral responses. For example, the microcolony structure observed in established mature biofilms is strikingly similar acrossmono- and multispecies biofilms, across different habitats, as well as for different organismal levels (Lawrence et al., 1991; O’Toole et al., 2000; Sauer et al., 2002). The latter applies to the similarities found between the multicellular consortia of well studied

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