Challenges of biofilm control and utilization: lessons from mathematical modelling

Paulina A. Dzianach* (Corresponding Author), Gary A. Dykes, Norval J. C. Strachan, Ken J. Forbes, Francisco J. Pérez-Reche

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)
14 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This article reviews modern applications of mathematical descriptions of biofilm formation. The focus is on theoretically obtained results which have implications for areas including the medical sector, food industry and wastewater treatment. Examples are given as to how models have contributed to the overall knowledge on biofilms and how they are used to predict biofilm behaviour. We conclude that the use of mathematical models of biofilms has demonstrated over the years the ability to significantly contribute to the vast field of biofilm research. Among other things, they have been used to test various hypotheses on the nature of interspecies interactions, viability of biofilm treatment methods or forces behind observed biofilm pattern formations. Mathematical models can also play a key role in future biofilm research. Many models nowadays are analysed through computer simulations and continue to improve along with computational capabilities. We predict that models will keep on providing answers to important challenges involving biofilm formation. However, further strengthening of the ties between various disciplines is necessary to fully use the tools of collective knowledge in tackling the biofilm phenomenon.
Original languageEnglish
Article number20190042
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of the Royal Society Interface
Volume16
Issue number155
Early online date12 Jun 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2019

Bibliographical note

Funding
This work was supported by a scholarship grant from the School of Natural and Computing Sciences at the University of Aberdeen and the Faculty of Health Sciences at Curtin University.

Keywords

  • biofilms
  • extracellular matrix
  • cellular automata
  • individual based modelling
  • exopolysaccharides
  • quorum sensing
  • Biofilms
  • Exopolysaccharides
  • Extracellular matrix
  • Individual based modelling
  • Quorum sensing
  • Cellular automata
  • LISTERIA-MONOCYTOGENES
  • SURFACE-ROUGHNESS
  • TRANSPORT
  • QUORUM
  • GROWTH
  • LACTIC-ACID BACTERIA
  • DYNAMICS
  • MICROBIAL FUEL-CELLS
  • FOOD
  • SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

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