Spatially structured exchange of metabolites enhances bacterial survival and resilience in biofilms

Yuzhen Zhang (), Yukmi Cai, Bing Zhang and Yi-Heng P. Job Zhang ()
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Yuzhen Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yukmi Cai: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Bing Zhang: Yanshan University
Yi-Heng P. Job Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Biofilm formation enhances bacterial survival and antibiotic tolerance, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, we show that biofilm growth is accompanied by a reduction in bacterial energy metabolism and membrane potential, together with metabolic exchanges between the inner and outer regions in biofilms. More specifically, nutrient-starved cells in the interior supply amino acids to cells in the periphery, while peripheral cells experience a decrease in membrane potential and provide fatty acids to interior cells. Fatty acids facilitate the repair of starvation-induced membrane damage in inner cells and enhance their survival in the presence of antibiotics. Thus, metabolic exchanges between inner and outer cells contribute to survival of the nutrient-starved inner cells and contribute to antibiotic tolerance within the biofilm.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51940-3

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