MIGRATION OF BACTERIA ALONG SYNTHETIC POLYMERIC FIBERS

E. coli, S. epidermidis, and B. distasonis were observed to migrate readily along polymer fibers impressed upon the surface of nutrient agar. E. coli was also observed to migrate readily along polymer fibers embedded in brain-heart infusion agar. Within periods of about 24 h, migration distances of about several centimeters were observed. No migration was observed in control experiments conducted on or in the same media, but without fibers. Migration speed was greatest for E. coli and slowest for B. distasonis. Cell population density was found to decrease rapidly with distance from a source culture. Swimming motility or natural convection in liquid between fiber and gel appears to be improbable based on the expected dimensions of capillary-condensed liquid between fiber and gel.