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A hybrid model for biofilm growth on a deformable substratum
Author(s) -
Boraey Mohammed A.,
Guaily Amr,
Epstein Marcelo
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the canadian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1939-019X
pISSN - 0008-4034
DOI - 10.1002/cjce.22172
Subject(s) - biofilm , cellular automaton , finite element method , attractor , curvature , biological system , process (computing) , growth model , mechanics , computer science , mathematics , geology , physics , engineering , mathematical analysis , structural engineering , geometry , biology , artificial intelligence , bacteria , paleontology , mathematical economics , operating system
The mutual interaction between a biofilm growing on a deformable substratum and its deformability is investigated. The interaction process is investigated by a newly developed model based on a hybrid Cellular Automaton/Finite Element approach (CAFE). A quantitative model is proposed that predicts the effect of the substratum deformability on the biofilm growth as well as on the allocation of the newborn cells. In the proposed model, it is suggested that regions of higher positive curvature will act as attractors. The finite element method is used to model the substratum deformability while the biofilm growth is modelled using a semi‐stochastic approach. Numerical examples are presented in two‐ and three‐dimensional settings.