Biofilm dispersal: multiple elaborate strategies for dissemination of bacteria with unique properties. Issue 2 (9th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guilhen, Cyril; Forestier, Christiane; Balestrino, Damien
• Is Part Of: Molecular microbiology. Volume 105:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 188
• Page End: 210
• Publication Date: 2017-05-09
• Subjects: Molecular microbiology -- Periodicals; 572.829
• DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13698
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-382X

Abstract

Summary: In most environments, microorganisms evolve in a sessile mode of growth, designated as biofilm, which is characterized by cells embedded in a self‐produced extracellular matrix. Although a biofilm is commonly described as a "cozy house" where resident bacteria are protected from aggression, bacteria are able to break their biofilm bonds and escape to colonize new environments. This regulated process is observed in a wide variety of species; it is referred to as biofilm dispersal, and is triggered in response to various environmental and biological signals. The first part of this review reports the main regulatory mechanisms and effectors involved in biofilm dispersal. There is some evidence that dispersal is a necessary step between the persistence of bacteria inside biofilm and their dissemination. In the second part, an overview of the main methods used so far to study the dispersal process and to harvest dispersed bacteria was provided. Then focus was on the properties of the biofilm‐dispersed bacteria and the fundamental role of the dispersal process in pathogen dissemination within a host organism. In light of the current body of knowledge, it was suggested that dispersal acts as a potent means of disseminating bacteria with enhanced colonization properties in the surrounding environment. Abstract : Biofilm lifestyle is the dominant mode of growth for bacteria in various environments. In this review, we present a global overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in the final step of biofilm development: the biofilm dispersal. After providing methodological guidelines for characterization of biofilm dispersal and biofilm‐dispersed bacteria, we focus on the properties of these cells and the fundamental role of the dispersal process in pathogen dissemination within a host organism.