Development of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa mushroom morphology and cavity formation by iron-starvation: A mathematical modeling study

► We model mushroom morphology and cavity formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. ► Disparity in stiffness between cap and stalk may be responsible for mushroom morphology. ► Simple nutrient starvation or signal accumulation is unlikely causes of cavities. ► Iron starvation is a plausible cause for cavity formation.