Study reveals how 3D environments affect bacterial growth and survival!

 

For over 300 years, scientists have primarily studied bacteria using liquid cultures or flat 2D plates in laboratory settings.

A new study from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) has shed light on how three-dimensional (3D) environments influence bacterial growth and survival. By creating 3D models that mimic natural settings like mucus and soil, researchers discovered that the shape of bacteria plays a critical role in their ability to thrive in complex environments.

For over 300 years, scientists have primarily studied bacteria using liquid cultures or flat 2D plates in laboratory settings. “While this is convenient and has been invaluable for biological research, it does not reflect natural 3D environments like soil, mucus, or plant and animal tissues. As a result, little is known about bacterial growth in these complex settings with varying material properties,” NCBS said.