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.