Effect of EPS on biofilm structure and function as revealed by an individual-based model of biofilm growth
Authored by Jan-Ulrich Kreft, JWT Wimpenny
Date Published: 2001
Sponsors:
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Platforms:
No platforms listed
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
We have simulated a nitrifying biofilm with one ammonia and one nitrite
oxidising species in order to elucidate the effect of various
extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production scenarios on biofilm
structure and function. The individual-based model (IbM) BacSim
simulates diffusion of all substrates on a two-dimensional lattice. Each
bacterium is individually simulated as a sphere of given size in a
continuous, three-dimensional space. EPS production kinetics was
described by a growth rate dependent and an independent term
(Luedeking-Piret equation). The structure of the biofilm was
dramatically influenced by EPS production or capsule formation. EPS
production decreased growth of producers and stimulated growth of
non-producers because of the energy cost involved. For the same reason, EPS accumulation can fall as its rate of production increases. The
patchiness and roughness of the biofilm decreased and the porosity
increased due to EPS production. EPS density was maximal in the middle
of the vertical profile. introduction of binding forces between like
cells increased clustering.
Tags
Cellular-automaton approach