Abstract
We present a mathematical model and computer simulations for the control of a pathogenic biofilm by a probiotic biofilm. This is a substantial extension of a previous model of control of a pathogenic biofilm by microbial control agents that are suspended in the aqueous bulk phase (H. Khassehkhan and H.J. Eberl, Comp. Math. Meth. Med, 9(1) (2008), pp. 47-67). The mathematical model is a system of double-degenerate diffusion-reaction equations for the microbial biomass fractions probiotics, pathogens and inert bacteria, coupled with convection-diffusion-reaction equations for two growth controlling substrates, protonated lactic acids and hydrogen ions (pH). The latter are produced by the bacteria and become detrimental at high concentrations. In simulation studies, we find that the site of attachment of probiotics in the flow channel is crucial for success and efficacy of the probiotic control mechanism.
Highlights
Bacterial biofilms are microbial depositions on surfaces in aqueous environments
We present a mathematical model and computer simulations for the control of a pathogenic biofilm by a probiotic biofilm
We propose in this study a mathematical model for one probiotic mechanism of biofilm control, namely the modification of the environmental conditions in the system such that they become less favourable for the pathogen
Summary
Bacterial biofilms are microbial depositions on surfaces in aqueous environments. The microorganisms attach to the surface and start to produce a gel-like matrix of extracelullar polymers, termed extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the biofilm literature (exopolysaccharides). Since other substrates become limited in the inner layers of the biofilm, local micro environments can develop in which the living conditions are different than in the surroundings, e.g. with severe oxygen limitation etc The cells in these regions adapt to the changing living conditions. Mechanical biofilm control is among the most efficient control mechanisms in engineering and industrial applications, but it is probably not appropriate and viable in a medical context Another suggested approach for biofilm control is to interfere with the bacterias’ cellto-cell communication system by controlling quorum sensing in the biofilm. We propose in this study a mathematical model for one probiotic mechanism of biofilm control, namely the modification of the environmental conditions in the system such that they become less favourable for the pathogen.
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