Here are the key differences in nutrient availability and uptake patterns between biofilm and planktonic cells:
- Biofilm cells exchange nutrients and metabolites through water channels between microcolonies, allowing for sharing of resources within the biofilm structure. Planktonic cells do not have this organized structure for nutrient sharing.
- Diffusion of nutrients is limited in biofilms due to the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix surrounding the cells. Nutrients must diffuse through the EPS to reach cells. In planktonic culture, nutrients freely diffuse to cells.
- Nutrient gradients form in biofilms with nutrient-rich conditions at the biofilm-fluid interface and decreasing concentrations deeper in the biofilm. Planktonic cells experience more uniform nutrient conditions