Searching for simple rules in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation

Abstract

ObjectiveLiving cells display complex and non-linear behaviors, especially when posed to environmental threats. Here, to understand the self-organizing cooperative behavior of a microorganism Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we developed a discrete spatiotemporal cellular automata model based on simple physical rules, similar to Conway’s game of life.ResultsThe time evolution model simulations were experimentally verified for P. aeruginosa biofilm for both control and antibiotic azithromycin (AZM) treated condition. Our model suggests that AZM regulates the single cell motility, thereby resulting in delayed, but not abolished, biofilm formation. In addition, the model highlights the importance of reproduction by cell to cell interaction is key for biofilm formation. Overall, this work highlights another example where biological evolutionary complexity may be interpreted using rules taken from theoretical disciplines.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Recent Advances in Vaccine Development

“…Cells within biofilms adhere to a surface via flagella and type IV pili and multiply to form microcolonies [ 7 ]. Further division and matrix production provide structural stability and allow the biofilm to grow and expand [ 8 ]. The matrix consists of three exopolysaccharides (Psl, Pel and alginate) [ 9 ], which stabilise the overall structure while additionally functioning to impair bacterial clearance and a variety of host immune responses [ 10 ].…”