MIC and Biofilm Heterogeneity

Abstract

Abstract Recent investigations have shown that many biofilms have a heterogeneous structure with microorganisms aggregated in clusters, forming physiological microniches within the biofilm where local chemistries are distinctly different from the surrounding. The persistence of these highly localized conditions depends on the activity of the respective physiological groups of microorganisms. This paper presents selected advances in studying consequences of biofilm heterogeneity that can be linked to MIC.