| 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. |
