Detachment of bacteria

The rheological properties of biofilms have a great impact on major processes such as transport of nutrients, light, biocides, water, biochemicals and cells. The knowledge of the mechanical properties of biofilms is essential in quantifying the overall process of biofilm development and bacterial survival (and proliferation)—one of the key processes in a biofilm lifecycle is detachment. It is therefore crucial to be able to predict the biofilm detachment and break up in response to internal and external forces that drive the biofilm cycle. This chapter aims to highlight some of the important processes in the biofilm detachment cycle. It will also draw on some new and old concepts on this age old battle of biofilm survival and proliferation.