We present two novel, computational models of biofilm growth within an experimental flow cell. First, we use asymptotic approximations to develop a reduced model that captures the large-scale dynamics within an entire flow cell. The reduced model's predicted growth and nutrient distribution are close to the values predicted by previous models at a fraction of the computational cost. Experimentalists can use this model to better understand the internal concentration and growth distribution throughout their flow cells. Second, we present a modified model of the metabolic and voltage oscillations experimentally observed in some Bacillus subtilis cultures. We develop a two-dimensional simulation from this model that mimics the two-dimensional structure of the experiments and allows us to directly compare the model to experimental data. These two models provide a closer look at some of the complex and interesting behaviors biofilms can exhibit.

Creator

• Ford, Noah

DOI

• https://doi.org/10.21985/n2-6wt1-f208

Subject

• Applied mathematics

Language

• en

Alternate Identifier

• etdadmin_upload_764364
• http://dissertations.umi.com/northwestern:15266

Date created

• 2020-01-01

Resource type

• Dissertation

Rights statement

• In Copyright