# Fragmented but functional: Post-dispersion dynamics and phenotypic variation in dispersed biofilm-associated cells

## TL;DR

This study explores how dispersed biofilm cells remember their development and form new, complex biofilms quickly.

## Contribution

The study reveals that dispersed biofilm cells retain developmental memory and form more complex secondary biofilms.

## Key findings

- Dispersed S. epidermidis cells retain developmental memory for rapid reattachment.
- Secondary biofilms from mature dispersed cells are denser and structurally complex.
- EPS matrix in secondary biofilms has increased polysaccharides.

## Abstract

Schematic overview of primary biofilm formation, dispersion of primary biofilm-associated cells (PBACs), and development of secondary biofilms.Image 1

Schematic overview of primary biofilm formation, dispersion of primary biofilm-associated cells (PBACs), and development of secondary biofilms.

•Dispersed S. epidermidis cells retain developmental memory for rapid reattachment.•Mature dispersed cells show enhanced growth rate with shorter doubling time.•Secondary biofilms developed from mature PBACs are denser and structurally complex.•EPS matrix remodelling features increased polysaccharides in secondary biofilms.

Dispersed S. epidermidis cells retain developmental memory for rapid reattachment.

Mature dispersed cells show enhanced growth rate with shorter doubling time.

Secondary biofilms developed from mature PBACs are denser and structurally complex.

EPS matrix remodelling features increased polysaccharides in secondary biofilms.