A Mathematical Model of Quorum Sensing Induced Biofilm Detachment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cell dispersal (or detachment) is part of the developmental cycle of microbial biofilms. It can be externally or internally induced, and manifests itself in discrete sloughing events, whereby many cells disperse in an instance, or in continuous slower dispersal of single cells. One suggested trigger of cell dispersal is quorum sensing, a cell-cell communication mechanism used to coordinate gene expression and behavior in groups based on population densities.

Method

To better understand the interplay of colony growth and cell dispersal, we develop a dynamic, spatially extended mathematical model that includes biofilm growth, production of quorum sensing molecules, cell dispersal triggered by quorum sensing molecules, and re-attachment of cells. This is a highly non

SUBMITTER: Emerenini BO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4511412 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature