Fragmented but functional: Post-dispersion dynamics and phenotypic variation in dispersed biofilm-associated cells
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Biofilm dispersion is recognized as a critical yet complex stage in the bacterial lifecycle, enabling cells to escape established communities and recolonize new surfaces. This study investigates how the developmental stage of dispersed cells, termed primary biofilm-associated cells (PBACs), influences secondary biofilm formation using Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC12228 , a clinically relevant strain that produces PNAG-independent biofilms. Secondary biofilms were grown from PBACs harvested at early (6-8 hr), developing (12-15 hr), and late (21-24 hr) stages from primary biofilms grown under continuous flow conditions. Growth kinetics revealed that mature PBACs exhibit shorter doubling times and lag phases compared to planktonic cells, indicating metabolic priming. Cell viability assays confirmed consistent live/dead ratios across all PBAC populations, eliminating viability as a confounding factor. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) combined with COMSTAT analysis demonstrated that secondary biofilms derived from older PBACs formed denser, thicker, and more uniform structures with enhanced biomass and surface coverage. EPS matrix characterisation showed an age-dependent increase in polysaccharide content distribution, suggesting post-dispersion matrix remodelling. The findings highlight that dispersed cells retain phenotypic traits of their biofilm origin, like a ‘developmental memory’, which helps them rapidly reattach and form dense secondary biofilms. Understanding these phenotypic and structural variations may inform strategies aimed at controlling S. epidermidis biofilm-related infections.
Source: Biofilm
Institution: University College Dublin
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,140
Award: G8064518426
OpenAlex ID: W7128426040