Mechanisms of Competition in Biofilm Communities

Microbiol Spectr. 2015 Jun;3(3). doi: 10.1128/microbiolspec.MB-0009-2014.

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms are dense and often mixed-species surface-attached communities in which bacteria coexist and compete for limited space and nutrients. Here we present the different antagonistic interactions described in biofilm environments and their underlying molecular mechanisms, along with ecological and evolutionary insights as to how competitive interactions arise and are maintained within biofilms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibiosis / physiology*
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / pathogenicity*
  • Bacterial Adhesion / physiology*
  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Ecosystem