Biofilms develop from initial bacterial colonizers bound on surfaces that evolves into structured communities that are embedded in an extracellular polymeric matrix. We have applied multiscale population growth and 3D morphometric analyses with multiple imaging modalities to assess the spatiotemporal evolution of colonizers (either single-species or mixed-species) towards the formation of structured communities from sub-micron to submillimeter scale. We found that a subset of initial colonizers displayed clustering behavior and expanded three-dimensionally forming densely populated communities, which were dependent on exopolysaccharides matrices produced <i>in situ.</i> The polymeric matrix provided an adhesive scaffold conferring cohesion, inter-species interactions and firm adhesion on the surface. Disruption of the production and assembly of the polymeric matrices markedly altered the clustering behavior, structuring and the 3D architecture of the biofilm, demonstrating the importance of a biophysical scaffold to maintain a spatially organized microbial community

Spatial organization and 3D architecture of oral biofilms

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.