RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Surface waves control bacterial attachment and formation of biofilms in thin layers JF Science Advances JO Sci Adv FD American Association for the Advancement of Science SP eaaz9386 DO 10.1126/sciadv.aaz9386 VO 6 IS 22 A1 Hong, Sung-Ha A1 Gorce, Jean-Baptiste A1 Punzmann, Horst A1 Francois, Nicolas A1 Shats, Michael A1 Xia, Hua YR 2020 UL http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/22/eaaz9386.abstract AB Formation of bacterial biofilms on solid surfaces within a fluid starts when bacteria attach to the substrate. Understanding environmental factors affecting the attachment and the early stages of the biofilm development will help develop methods of controlling the biofilm growth. Here, we show that biofilm formation is strongly affected by the flows in thin layers of bacterial suspensions controlled by surface waves. Deterministic wave patterns promote the growth of patterned biofilms, while wave-driven turbulent motion discourages patterned attachment of bacteria. Strong biofilms form under the wave antinodes, while inactive bacteria and passive particles settle under nodal points. By controlling the wavelength, its amplitude, and horizontal mobility of the wave patterns, one can shape the biofilm and either enhance the growth or discourage the formation of the biofilm. The results suggest that the deterministic wave-driven transport channels, rather than hydrodynamic forces acting on microorganisms, determine the preferred location for the bacterial attachment.