Dissipative-particle-dynamics model of biofilm growth

Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys. 2011 Jun;83(6 Pt 2):066702. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.83.066702. Epub 2011 Jun 13.

Abstract

A dissipative-particle-dynamics model for the quantitative simulation of biofilm growth controlled by substrate (nutrient) consumption, advective and diffusive substrate transport, and hydrodynamic interactions with fluid flow (including fragmentation and reattachment) is described. The model was used to simulate biomass growth, decay, and spreading. It predicts how the biofilm morphology depends on flow conditions, biofilm growth kinetics, the rheomechanical properties of the biofilm, and adhesion to solid surfaces. The morphology of the model biofilm depends strongly on its rigidity and the magnitude of the body force that drives the fluid over the biofilm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Cell Death
  • Diffusion
  • Hydrodynamics
  • Models, Biological*