Collective polarization dynamics in bacterial colonies signify the occurrence of distinct subpopulations.

Membrane potential in bacterial systems has been shown to be dynamic and tightly related to survivability at the single-cell level. However, little is known about spatiotemporal patterns of membrane potential in bacterial colonies and biofilms. Here, we discovered a transition from uncorrelated to collective dynamics within colonies formed by the human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of growth and death within spherical bacterial colonies.

Bacterial growth within colonies and biofilms is heterogeneous. Local reduction of growth rates has been associated with tolerance against various antibiotics. However, spatial gradients of growth rates are poorly characterized in three-dimensional bacterial colonies.

Type IV Pilin Post-Translational Modifications Modulate Material Properties of Bacterial Colonies.

Bacterial type 4 pili (T4P) are extracellular polymers that initiate the formation of microcolonies and biofilms. T4P continuously elongate and retract. These pilus dynamics crucially affect the local order, shape, and fluidity of microcolonies.

Molecular Motors Govern Liquidlike Ordering and Fusion Dynamics of Bacterial Colonies.

Bacteria can adjust the structure of colonies and biofilms to enhance their survival rate under external stress. Here, we explore the link between bacterial interaction forces and colony structure. We show that the activity of extracellular pilus motors enhances local ordering and accelerates fusion dynamics of bacterial colonies.