Biofilm growth on rugose surfaces

Abstract: A stochastic model is used to assess the effect of external parameters on the development of submerged biofilms on smooth and rough surfaces. The model includes basic cellular mechanisms, such as division and spreading, together with an elementary description of the interaction with the surrounding flow and probabilistic rules for EPS matrix generation, cell decay and adhesion. Insight on the interplay of competing mechanisms as the flow or the nutrient concentration change is gained. Erosion and growth processes combined produce biofilm structures moving downstream. A rich variety of patterns are generated: shrinking biofilms, patches, ripple-like structures traveling downstream, fingers, mounds, streamer-like patterns, flat layers, porous and dendritic structures. The observed regimes depend on the carbon source and the type of bacteria.