Biofilms are organised heterogeneous assemblages of microbial cells that are encased within a self-produced protective matrix. Current estimates suggest that up to 80% of bacterial and archaeal cells live in biofilms. Since biofilms are the main mode of microbial life, understanding their biology and functions is critical, especially as controlling biofilm growth is essential in industrial, infrastructure and medical contexts.
My talk will highlight the multifaceted nature of biofilms, thus expanding our understanding of this dominant microbial life form, as well as moving beyond the simplistic dichotomy of planktonic vs. biofilm cells. This expanded multifaceted view of biofilms enables us to explore novel phenomena that can significantly alter our perception of biofilms and illuminate aspects that may have been under-appreciated.
I will endeavour to broaden our understanding of biofilms by defining them not only as a lifestyle for individual microbial cells (the single-cell-centric view) but also recognising biofilm properties that are characteristic of multicellular organisms (the biofilm-centric view). Moreover, I will present a new fundamental property of biofilms as incubators of genotypic and phenotypic diversity in the microbial world. I will demonstrate that biofilms are unique life forms with an unparalleled role as both evolutionary hotspots and testing grounds for ongoing mutation and selection. The role of biofilms as diversity incubators is under-appreciated but can be central for microbial evolution and adaptation.