Casey, EoinEoinCasey2011-01-262011-01-262007 Wiley2007-11-01Biotechnology and Bioengineering1097-0290http://hdl.handle.net/10197/2746The ability to simultaneously measure both biofilm thickness and the mass transfer coefficient of an inert tracer through it provides a powerful method to study biofilm development. In this communication previously published data has been collated to interpret global trends in biofilm structure during the transition towards steady-state. It appears that sudden changes in biofilm structure (directly related to the rate of change of biofilm mass transfer resistance) may occur following transitions in rate of biomass production. These observations are consistent with the concept of consolidation, recently introduced into spatially structured biofilm mathematical models to account for structural realignment of the biofilm under dynamic conditions.1196653 bytesapplication/pdfenThis is the authors' version of the following article: "Tracer measurements reveal experimental evidence of biofilm consolidation" published in Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 98 (4): 913-918. It is available in its final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bit.21456.BiofilmConsolidationStructureTracerMass-transferBiofilmsTracers (Biology)Mass transferJournal Article98491391810.1002/bit.21456https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/1.0/