Electromagnetic Signaling and Quorum Sensing within Biofilms: Which Mechanism Is the Most Probable Means of Communication?

We have recently postulated that certain bacterial cells within their biofilms are equipped with electrically-polarized and elastic helical fibers called amyloid fibrils which allow the cells to transmit electromagnetic (EM) signal to their surrounding environment through mechanical vibration of these fibrils. A novel and theoretical Multiphysics model based on a coupled system of electrical and mechanical structures is proposed here enabling prediction of efficient signal generation in the radio frequency range among the cells. Next, to demonstrate the advantage of EM-based communication, using communication channel theory, we have compared performance of EM signaling with its biochemical counterpart (quorum sensing) and shown that EM signaling provides much higher data rate, 4 to 5 orders of magnitude. Thus, it could be potentially more efficient and a preferred method for communication among cells. In quorum sensing, biological cells release auto-inducers intercepted by the adjacent cells as a purposeful message signal.