The available methods of computer modeling of biofilms and their development trends

Abstract

The object of this research is the available means of computer modeling of bacterial communities-biofilms. Such communities include the majority (95-99%) of bacteria and are ubiquitous. Biofilms are much more resistant than single bacteria to antibiotics and other antibacterial means due to weak permeability of intercellular environment and moderation of metabolism of some specimen of the community. Examination of influence techniques on biofilms is an important problem of biology; its solution requires various computer modeling tools that allow achieving significant scientific results. The subject of this research is the mathematical models used in modern techniques of biofilm modeling, and as well as the software for their implementation. The conclusion is made that the available methods of biofilm modeling are capable of successful reproduction of multiple behavioral aspects of these bacteria communities, including growth, destruction, and self-regulation; however, certain relevant problems are yet to be resolved. This is associated with the fact that the development of modern software for two-dimensional and three-dimensional agent modeling of biofilms – BSim, iDynoMiCS, CellModeller, require competent programmers for describing the interactions between simulated objects. Most promising direction in further development of this software implies a more active usage of tools for describing behavior and interaction of agents applied in the sphere of artificial intelligence, for example, fin-state automaton or production rules systems, with mandatory preservation of biological content of the models.