The Role of Nanotubes in Modulating Colony Spreading and Autolysis in Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms

This study investigated and characterized S. aureus biofilm dynamics. Transmission electron micrographs revealed the presence of connecting nanostructures, here referend to as nanotubes, among cells in close vicinity in S. aureus biofilms. It was further known that the nanotubes had significant implications for colony spreading and autolysis. Cell clumps producing nanotubes exhibited slower growth rates and a lack of colony spreading, suggesting that nanotube formation may hinder the cells' ability to spread and colonize new areas. In contrast, the planktonic population, which lacked significant nanotube formation, displayed faster growth and colony spreading. Furthermore, Triton (T) X100-induced autolysis assays demonstrated that cell clumps and surface-attached cells, which exhibited prominent nanotube structures, were more susceptible to autolysis. In contrast, planktonic cells, which did not show significant nanotube formation, displayed higher resistance to autolysis. These findings suggest that nanotube formation may render cells more vulnerable to autolysis. The presence or absence of nanotubes in different cell populations within the biofilm influenced their ability to spread, colonize, and survive in challenging environments.