Immersed Boundary Approach to Biofilm Spread on Surfaces

Immersed Boundary Approach to Biofilm Spread on Surfaces

Year:    2022

Author:    Ana Carpio, Rafael González-Albaladejo

Communications in Computational Physics, Vol. 31 (2022), Iss. 1 : pp. 257–292

Abstract

We propose a computational model to study the growth and spread of bacterial biofilms on interfaces, as well as the action of antibiotics on them. Bacterial membranes are represented by boundaries immersed in a fluid matrix and subject to interaction forces. Growth, division and death of bacterial cells follow dynamic energy budget rules, in response to variations in environmental concentrations of nutrients, toxicants and substances released by the cells. In this way, we create, destroy and enlarge boundaries, either spherical or rod-like. Appropriate forces represent details of the interaction between cells, and the interaction with the environment. We can investigate geometrical arrangements and the formation of porous structures. Numerical simulations illustrate the evolution of top views and diametral slices of small biofilm seeds, as well as the action of antibiotics. We show that cocktails of antibiotics targeting active and dormant cells can entirely eradicate a biofilm.

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Journal Article Details

Publisher Name:    Global Science Press

Language:    English

DOI:    https://doi.org/10.4208/cicp.OA-2021-0039

Communications in Computational Physics, Vol. 31 (2022), Iss. 1 : pp. 257–292

Published online:    2022-01

AMS Subject Headings:    Global Science Press

Copyright:    COPYRIGHT: © Global Science Press

Pages:    36

Keywords:    Hybrid multiscale models immersed boundary methods dynamic energy budget models bacterial biofilm antibiotic resistance.

Author Details

Ana Carpio

Rafael González-Albaladejo