Finally, we find that in flow cells can grow on glucose concentrations 1,000 time lower than in batch culture. These concentrations align with the affinity of bacterial glucose transporters, suggesting that bacteria have evolved to scavenge low concentrations of nutrients to support growth. (4/5)

In contrast, our microfluidic experiments revealed that cells can grow on extremely low levels of carbon and nitrogen when delivered by flow. (3/5)

In batch, we found that cells require 0.01% glucose and 0.1 mM ammonium chloride for growth. (2/5)

How do bacteria experience nutrient stress in nature? In our new preprint, we study how cells respond to nutrient limitation under flow. We find that in flow, cells can grow on concentrations of glucose 1,000 times lower than in batch cell culture. (1/5)

#microsky
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...