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Simulating Bacterial Biofilms

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Deformable Models

Biofilms are the most ubiquitous form of life on the planet. More than 90% of bacteria live in biofilms, which are aggregates of cells attached to both biotic and abiotic surfaces [6, 13]. Biofilms are responsible for nitrogen loss from agricultural fertilizers, and they deplete oxygen in streams, cause disease in humans and plants, and foul pipes, heat exchangers, and ship hulls. Biofilms are responsible for a number of human diseases, including cystic fibrosis and Legionnaire’s disease, and are a potential source of nosocomial infections. According to The Biofilm Institute, biofilms cost U.S. industry billions of dollars annually in equipment and product damage, energy losses, and human infections.

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  1. Department of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics, Northwestern University, 60208-3125, Evanston, IL, USA

    David L. Chopp

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Chopp, D.L. (2007). Simulating Bacterial Biofilms. In: Deformable Models. Topics in Biomedical Engineering. International Book Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-68413-0_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-68413-0_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-31201-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-68413-0

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