Run-to-Tumble Variability Controls the Surface Residence Times of ${\it E.~coli}$ Bacteria

TL;DR

This study reveals how variability in run-to-tumble behavior of E. coli bacteria influences their surface residence times, using advanced 3D tracking and a new motility model to understand surface trapping and escape mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces a novel 3D tracking technique and a motility model that captures behavioral variability, providing new insights into bacterial surface interactions.

Findings

Long surface residence times linked to tumbling events.

Surface escape mostly occurs immediately after tumbling.

Behavioral variability in run-time affects trapping efficiency.

Abstract

Motile bacteria are known to accumulate at surfaces, eventually leading to changes in bacterial motility and bio-film formation. We use a novel two-colour, three-dimensional Lagrangian tracking technique, to follow simultaneously the body and the flagella of a wild-type ${\it Escherichia~coli}$. We observe long surface residence times and surface escape corresponding mostly to immediately antecedent tumbling. A motility model accounting for a large behavioural variability in run-time duration, reproduces all experimental findings and gives new insights into surface trapping efficiency.