Recent technological advances in single-cell microbiology, using flow cytometry, microfluidics, x-ray fluorescence microprobes, and single-cell -omics, allow for the observation of individuals within populations. Simultaneously, individual-based models (or more generally agent-based models) allow for individual microbes to be simulated. Bridging these techniques forms the foundation of individual-based ecology of microbes (µIBE). µIBE has elucidated genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity that has important consequences for a number of human interests, including antibiotic or biocide resistance, the productivity and stability of industrial fermentations, the efficacy of food preservatives, and the potential of pathogens to cause disease. Individual-based models can help us to understand how these sets of traits of individual microbes influence the above. This eBook compiles all publications from a recent Research Topic in Frontiers in Microbiology. It features recent research where individual observational and/or modelling techniques are applied to gain unique insights into the ecology of microorganisms. The Research Topic “The Individual Microbe: Single-Cell Analysis and Agent-Based Modelling” arose from the 2016 @ASM conference of the same name hosted by the American Society for Microbiology at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. We are grateful to ASM for funding and hosting this conference.

Light Microscopic Analysis of Mitochondrial Heterogeneity in Cell Populations and Within Single Cells, by S. Jakobs, S. Stoldt, and D. Neumann * Advanced Microscopy of Microbial Cells, by J. A. J. Haagensen, B. Regenberg, and C. Sternberg * Algebraic and Geometric Understanding of Cells, Epigenetic Inheritance of Phenotypes Between Generations, by K. Yasuda * Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Single Microbial Cells, by C. R. Thomas, J. D. Stenson, and Z. Zhang * Single Cell Analytics: Pushing the Limits of the Doable, by H. Kortmann, L.M. Blank, and A. Schmid * Cultivation-Independent Assessment of Bacterial Viability, by F. Hammes, M. Berney, and T. Egli * Resolution of Natural Microbial Community Dynamics by Community Fingerprinting, Flow Cytometry and Trend Interpretation Analysis, by P. Bombach, T. Hübschmann, I. Fetzer, S. Kleinsteuber, R. Geyer, H. Harms, and S. Müller *Multivariate Data Analysis Methods for the Interpretation of Microbial Flow Cytometric Data, by H.M. Davey, and C.L. Davey * From Single Cells to Microbial Population Dynamics: Modelling in Biotechnology Based on Measurements of Individual Cells, by T. Bley

Microbiomics: Dimensions, Applications, and Translational Implications of Human and Environmental Microbiome Research describes a new, holistic approach to microbiomics. International experts provide in-depth discussion of current research methods for studying human, environmental, viral and fungal microbiomes, as well as the implications of new discoveries for human health, nutrition, disease, cancer research, probiotics and in the food and agricultural industries. Distinct chapters covering culturomics and sub-microbiomes, such as the viriome and mycetobiome, provide an integrative framework for the expansion of microbiomics into new areas of application, as well as crosspollination between research areas. Detailed case studies include the use of microbiomics to develop natural products with antimicrobial properties, microbiomic enhancements in food and beverage technology, microbes for bioprotection and biopreservation, microbial tools to reduce antibiotic resistance, and maintenance and cultivation of human microbial communities. Provides an integrated approach for realizing the potential of microbiomics across the life, environmental, food and agricultural sciences Includes thorough analysis of human, environmental, viral and mycetol microbiomes, as well as methods and technology for identifying microbiotes Features chapter contributions from international leaders in microbiomic methods, technology and applications

Over 90% of bacterial biomass exists in the form of biofilms. The ability of bacteria to attach to surfaces and to form biofilms often is an important competitive advantage for them over bacteria growing in suspension. Some biofilms are "good" in natural and engineered systems; they are responsible for nutrient cycling in nature and are used to purify waters in engineering processes. Other biofilms are "bad" when they cause fouling and infections of humans and plants. Whether we want to promote good biofilms or eliminate bad biofilms, we need to understand how they work and what works to control them. Mathematical Modeling of Biofilms provides guidelines for the selection and use of mathematical models of biofilms. The whole range of existing models - from simple analytical expressions to complex numerical models - is covered. The application of the models for the solution of typical problems is demonstrated, and the performance of the models is tested in comparative studies. With the dramatic evolution of the computational capacity still going on, modeling tools for research and practice will become more and more significant in the next few years. This report provides the foundation to understand the models and to select the most appropriate one for a given use. Mathematical Modeling of Biofilms gives a state-of-the-art overview that is especially valuable for educating students, new biofilm researchers, and design engineers. Through a series of three benchmark problems, the report demonstrates how to use the different models and indicates when simple or highly complex models are most appropriate. This is the first report to give a quantitative comparison of existing biofilm models. The report supports model-based design of biofilm reactors. The report can be used as basis for teaching biofilm-system modeling. The report provides the foundation for researchers seeking to use biofilm modeling or to develop new biofilm models. Scientific and Technical Report No.18

Predicting the growth and behaviour of microorganisms in food has long been an aim in food microbiology research. In recent years, microbial models have evolved to become more exact and the discipline of quantitative microbial ecology has gained increasing importance for food safety management, particularly as minimal processing techniques have become more widely used. These processing methods operate closer to microbial death, survival and growth boundaries and therefore require even more precise models. Written by a team of leading experts in the field, Modelling microorganims in food assesses the latest developments and provides an outlook for the future of microbial modelling. Part one discusses general issues involved in building models of microbial growth and inactivation in foods, with chapters on the historical background of the field, experimental design, data processing and model fitting, the problem of uncertainty and variability in models and modelling lag-time. Further chapters review the use of quantitative microbiology tools in predictive microbiology and the use of predictive microbiology in risk assessment. The second part of the book focuses on new approaches in specific areas of microbial modelling, with chapters discussing the implications of microbial variability in predictive modelling and the importance of taking into account microbial interactions in foods. Predicting microbial inactivation under high pressure and the use of mechanistic models are also covered. The final chapters outline the possibility of incorporating systems biology approaches into food microbiology. Modelling microorganisms in food is a standard reference for all those in the field of food microbiology. Assesses the latest developments in microbial modelling Discusses the issues involved in building models of microbial growth Chapters review the use of quantitative microbiology tools in predictive microbiology