Electrical signaling in growth dynamics of microbial biofilms

Bacteria maintain an electrical potential in their membrane. The small cell size and the lack of internal membrane–bound components can contribute to the acute sensitivity of plasma membrane potential and cellular physiology to small fluxes of ions across the membrane. In addition, the dynamics of ion channels in bacteria have been modeled as an excitation process, and electrical activity is a possible way to generate uniform cellular responses to small perturbations or inputs. They use the energy stored in this voltage gradient to drive critical processes such as adenosine triphosphate synthesis, flagellar turnover, and active transport. The important homeostatic function of this membrane potential underlies all bacterial physiology. Dynamics involved in various physiological functions and cell division, cell-to-cell signaling, metabolic coordination, and environmental sensing. Bacterial signaling allows it to monitor extracellular conditions, ensure adequate nutrient availability, and avoid dangerous situations. Whether they are pathogens, deep-sea microbes, or terrestrial organisms, microorganisms must quickly adapt to various environmental changes, including nutrient deficiencies, to survive. Bacteria have an amazing ability for small signaling molecules to quickly adapt to harsh living conditions. This chapter summarizes the various communication strategies used by bacteria, emphasizing the recently discovered electrical communication mechanisms along with highlighting the importance of the evolution of these communication types in the evolution of bacterial communities and their implications in the field of applied microbiology.