Motility Increases the Numbers and Durations of Cell-Surface Engagements for Escherichia coli Flowing near Poly(ethylene glycol)-Functionalized Surfaces.

ABSTRACT: Bacteria are keenly sensitive to properties of the surfaces they contact, regulating their ability to form biofilms and initiate infections. This study examines how the presence of flagella, interactions between the cell body and the surface, or motility itself guides the dynamic contact between bacterial cells and a surface in flow, potentially enabling cells to sense physicochemical and mechanical properties of surfaces. This work focuses on a poly(ethylene glycol) biomaterial coating, which does not retain cells. In a comparison of four Escherichia coli strains with different flagellar expressions and motilities, cells with substantial run-and-tumble swimming motility exhibited increased flux to the interface (3 times the calculated transport-limited rate which adequately describ

SUBMITTER: Shave MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9674025 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature