In a process called quorum sensing, bacteria monitor their population density via extracellular signaling molecules and modulate gene expression accordingly. This paper describes a one-dimensional model of a growing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. Quorum sensing has been included in the model by the addition of equations describing the production, degradation, and diffusion of acyl-homoserine lactones in the biofilm. In order for quorum sensing to initiate near the substratum, in accordance with experimental observations, model results suggest that cells in oxygen-deficient regions of the biofilm must still be synthesizing the signal compound. This result highlights the importance of careful study of the relationship between metabolic activity of the bacterium and signal synthesis.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received 11 March 2002/ Accepted in revised form 01 August 2002
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chopp, D., Kirisits, M., Moran, B. et al. A mathematical model of quorum sensing in a growing bacterial biofilm. J Ind Microbiol Biotech 29, 339–346 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jim.7000316
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jim.7000316