Microfluidics unveils role of gravity and shear stress on Pseudomonas fluorescens motility and biofilm growth

Biofilm proliferation in confined environments is a challenge in biomedical, industrial, and space applications. Surfaces in contact with fluids experience varying bulk stresses due to flow and gravity, factors often overlooked in biofilm studies. This research quantifies the combined effect of gravity and shear stress on Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 motility and biofilm growth. Using a rectangular-section microfluidic channel under laminar flow, we compared top and bottom surfaces, where gravity either pulls bacteria away or pushes them toward the surface. Results revealed an asymmetric bacterial distribution, leading to varying surface cell densities and contamination levels. We also analyzed spatial reorganization over time and classified bacterial motility under flow. Findings show that external mechanical stresses influence both motility and biofilm morphology, impacting biocontamination patterns based on shear stress and gravity direction. This study provides insights into biofilm control strategies in diverse environments.