Mathematical Approaches in Biofilm Research

生物膜研究中的数学方法

基本信息

批准号：
RGPIN-2019-05003
负责人：
Eberl, Hermann
金额：
$ 3.06万
依托单位：
University of Guelph
依托单位国家：
加拿大
项目类别：
Discovery Grants Program - Individual
财政年份：
2020
资助国家：
加拿大
起止时间：
2020-01-01 至 2021-12-31
项目状态：
已结题

来源：
https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=715318
关键词：
Mathematical Approaches Biofilm Research

项目摘要

Bacterial biofilms are microbial depositions on immersed interfaces that form wherever environmental conditions sustain bacterial life. Many environmental engineering technologies utilise their properties, in areas like wastewater treatment, soil remediation, or more recently biofuel production. On the other hand, in a medical context they are mainly considered detrimental, as a cause of persistent infections that are difficult to treat with antibiotics. In an industrial context they can cause damage, e.g by biofouling or biocorrosion. Mathematical modeling has become an important tool in biofilm research. This research program seeks to contribute to this development. It involves the formulation of mathematical models, their analysis, and their use in numerical simulation experiments. The methods that will be utilised stem from fields of Partial Differential Equations and Scientific Computing. This will involve highly degenerate quasilinear parabolic systems and their numerical solution, as well as multiscale modeling and simulation techniques. Specific problems that will be addressed include models of quorum sensing inhibition and bacterial cross-talk, models of cellulolytic biofilms that are utilised in the production of cellulosic ethanol from non-edible plant material as a transportation fuel, and models of bioremediation processes that are utilised in the clean up of soils. A focus of the program is research training of students, both on the undergraduate and graduate level, in an area in which mathematical sciences, biology, engineering, and computation overlap.

细菌生物膜是浸没界面上的微生物沉积物，在环境条件维持细菌生命的地方形成。许多环境工程技术在废水处理、土壤修复或最近的生物燃料生产等领域都利用了它们的特性。另一方面，在医学背景下，它们主要被认为是有害的，因为它们是导致难以用抗生素治疗的持续感染的原因。在工业环境中，它们可能会造成损害，例如生物污垢或生物腐蚀。数学建模已成为生物膜研究的重要工具。该研究计划旨在为这一发展做出贡献。它涉及数学模型的制定、分析以及在数值模拟实验中的使用。将使用的方法源于偏微分方程和科学计算领域。这将涉及高度简并的拟线性抛物线系统及其数值解，以及多尺度建模和模拟技术。将解决的具体问题包括群体感应抑制和细菌串扰模型、用于从非食用植物材料生产纤维素乙醇作为运输燃料的纤维素分解生物膜模型，以及所利用的生物修复过程模型在土壤的清理中。该项目的重点是对本科生和研究生进行数学科学、生物学、工程和计算重叠领域的研究培训。