Microbial landscapes: new paths to biofilm research.
It is the best of times for biofilm research. Systems biology approaches are providing new insights into the genetic regulation of microbial functions, and sophisticated modelling techniques are enabling the prediction of microbial community structures. Yet it is also clear that there is a need for ecological theory to contribute to our understanding of biofilms. Here, we suggest a concept for biofilm research that is spatially explicit and solidly rooted in ecological theory, which might serve as a universal approach to the study of the numerous facets of biofilms.
Battin
Tom J
TJ
Department of Freshwater Ecology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. tomba@pflaphy.pph.univie.ac.at
Sloan
William T
WT
Kjelleberg
Staffan
S
Daims
Holger
H
Head
Ian M
IM
Curtis
Tom P
TP
Eberl
Leo
L
D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D017753:Ecosystem