Biofilm antimicrobial susceptibility through an experimental evolutionary lens

Experimental evolution experiments in which bacterial populations are repeatedly exposed to an antimicrobial treatment, and examination of the genotype and phenotype of the resulting evolved bacteria, can help shed light on mechanisms behind reduced susceptibility. In this review we present an overview of why it is important to include biofilms in experimental evolution, which approaches are available to study experimental evolution in biofilms and what experimental evolution has taught us about tolerance and resistance in biofilms. Finally, we present an emerging consensus view on biofilm antimicrobial susceptibility supported by data obtained during experimental evolution studies.

Automated summary

Experimental evolution studies can provide insights into the mechanisms behind reduced antimicrobial susceptibility by repeatedly exposing bacterial populations to treatment. Including biofilms in these studies is important, and this review presents an overview of why and how to study experimental evolution in biofilms. Furthermore, the review discusses what experimental evolution has taught us about tolerance and resistance in biofilms, leading to an emerging consensus view on biofilm antimicrobial susceptibility.