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The Influence of Fluid Flow on Modeling Quorum Sensing in Bacterial Biofilms

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Abstract

In this paper, we study quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Quorum sensing is a process where bacteria monitor their population density through the release of extra-cellular signalling molecules. The presence of these molecules affects gene modulation leading to changes in behaviour such as the release of virulence factors. Here, we use numerical methods to approximate a 2-D model of quorum sensing. It is observed that the shape of the biofilm can have a profound effect on the onset of quorum sensing. This has serious repercussions for experimental observations since biofilms of the same biomass but different shapes can produce quite different results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Mathematical Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

    Benjamin L. Vaughan Jr.

  2. ESAM, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Bryan G. Smith & David L. Chopp

Authors
  1. Benjamin L. Vaughan Jr.
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  2. Bryan G. Smith
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  3. David L. Chopp
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Correspondence to Benjamin L. Vaughan Jr..

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Vaughan, B.L., Smith, B.G. & Chopp, D.L. The Influence of Fluid Flow on Modeling Quorum Sensing in Bacterial Biofilms. Bull. Math. Biol. 72, 1143–1165 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11538-009-9485-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11538-009-9485-8

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