Phenotypic variations between individual microbial cells play a key role in the resistance of
microbial pathogens to pharmacotherapies. Nevertheless, little is known about cell
individuality in antibiotic accumulation. Here, we hypothesise that phenotypic diversification
can be driven by fundamental cell-to-cell differences in drug transport rates. To test this
hypothesis, we employed microfluidics-based single-cell microscopy, libraries of fluorescent
antibiotic probes and mathematical modelling. This approach allowed us to rapidly identify …

Phenotypic variations between individual microbial cells play a key role in the resistance of
microbial pathogens to pharmacotherapies. Nevertheless, little is known about cell
individuality in antibiotic accumulation. Here, we hypothesise that phenotypic diversification
can be driven by fundamental cell-to-cell differences in drug transport rates. To test this
hypothesis, we employed microfluidics-based single-cell microscopy, libraries of fluorescent
antibiotic probes and mathematical modelling. This approach allowed us to rapidly identify …