Bacteria in Polymers Form Cables That Grow into Living Gels
Scientists from Caltech and Princeton discovered that E. coli bacteria form cable-like structures in polymer solutions, which may help understand cystic fibrosis and biofilm management in medical and industrial contexts.
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Scientists from Caltech and Princeton University have discovered that bacterial cells can form long, cable-like structures when grown in polymer solutions, such as mucus. This phenomenon, described in a paper published in Science Advances, could have significant implications for understanding diseases like cystic fibrosis, where mucus concentration increases and can lead to severe bacterial infections. The research focused on E. coli bacteria, which, when placed in a polymeric environment, remained attached after division, creating intertwined structures that resemble living gels. The study revealed that the growth of these cables is influenced by external pressure from the surrounding polymers, a concept known as depletion interaction. The findings suggest that this cable formation may serve a dual purpose: either helping bacteria evade immune responses by becoming larger or potentially making them easier to expel from the body. The research opens new avenues for exploring the biological implications of these structures and their role in biofilms, which pose challenges in medical and industrial contexts. The study was supported by various scientific organizations and involved collaboration with researchers from MIT and Princeton.
- Bacteria can form cable-like structures in polymer solutions, resembling living gels.
- This discovery may aid in understanding cystic fibrosis and bacterial infections.
- The growth of these structures is influenced by external pressure from surrounding polymers.
- The research has implications for biofilm management in medical and industrial settings.
- Further studies are needed to explore the biological significance of cable formation.
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