Geometrically Regulating Evolutionary Dynamics in Biofilms

TL;DR

This study investigates how environmental geometry influences evolutionary dynamics in biofilms, revealing that substrate shape affects genetic diversity, selection efficiency, and drift, with implications for biofilm control strategies.

Contribution

It introduces a geometric perspective to biofilm evolution, demonstrating how patterned surfaces can modulate evolutionary processes in biofilms.

Findings

Substrate geometry interferes with evolutionary dynamics.

Patterned surfaces reduce natural selection effectiveness.

Patterned surfaces accelerate genetic drift and decrease diversity.

Abstract

Theoretical understanding of evolutionary dynamics in spatially structured populations often relies on non-spatial models. Biofilms are among such populations where a more accurate understanding is of theoretical interest and can reveal new solutions to existing challenges. Here, we studied how the geometry of the environment affects the evolutionary dynamics of expanding populations, using the Eden model. Our results show that fluctuations of sub-populations during range expansion in 2D and 3D environments are not Brownian. Furthermore, we found that the substrate's geometry interferes with the evolutionary dynamics of populations that grow upon it. Inspired by these findings, we propose a periodically wedged pattern on surfaces prone to develop biofilms. On such patterned surfaces, natural selection becomes less effective and beneficial mutants would have a harder time establishing. Additionally, this modification accelerates genetic drift and leads to less diverse biofilms. Both interventions are highly desired for biofilms.