Mathematical Models of Biofilm Processes

Organizers:

Hermann Eberl (University of Guelph), John Ward

Description:

Bacterial biofilms are microbial depositions on immersed interfaces of surfaces that form wherever environmental conditions sustain microbial growth. Initially cells attach and then start producing extracellular polymeric substances, in which they are themselves embedded and which provide them protection from mechanical and chemical washout. Such biofilms play an important role in many natural and man made systems. For example many environmental technologies are based on biofilm processes. On the other hand, in a medical context, biofilms can be detrimental. Biofilms have been characterised as both, mechanical objects and as spatially structure bacterial populations. Most mathematical models of biofilms typically take one or the other point of view, depending on the specific process under investigation and the questions one seeks to address. In this minisymposium, several new biofilm modeling applications will be presented, utilizing a variety of biofilm modeling frameworks.

Diversity Statement:

This minisymposium has four speakers from four different countries. This includes a PhD student as well as junior and senior faculty members, ensuring diversity w.r.t career stage. The speakers have diverse ethno-cultural background, hailing originally from South Asia, West Africa, and Europe.