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Bacteriophage and bacteria in a flow reactor.
1School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
Bulletin of Mathematical Biology
|January 12, 2011
Summary
This study modifies a bacteriophage predation model for flow reactors, predicting bacterial and phage survival using basic reproductive numbers. Results inform bio-reactor dynamics and microbial population persistence.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Mathematical Biology
Background:
- The Levin-Stewart model describes bacteriophage predation in chemostats.
- Chemostat models do not fully capture flow reactor dynamics with motile bacteria and diffusing phage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt the Levin-Stewart model for a flow reactor environment.
- To analyze the impact of advection, diffusion, and a fixed latent period on microbial populations.
- To predict the persistence and extinction of bacteria and phage in a flow reactor.
Main Methods:
- Modification of the Levin-Stewart model for flow reactors.
- Development of delayed reaction-diffusion equations with non-local nonlinearities.
- Calculation of basic reproductive numbers for bacteria and phage.
- Numerical simulations to validate model predictions.
Main Results:
- The modified model incorporates bacterial motility, phage diffusion, and advection.
- Basic reproductive numbers predict the survival of both bacteria and phage.
- Persistence and extinction outcomes for both microbial species were determined.
- Numerical simulations align with chemostat model predictions.
Conclusions:
- The modified model provides a framework for understanding bacteriophage-bacteria dynamics in flow reactors.
- The basic reproductive numbers are key indicators of microbial population stability.
- The study offers insights into bio-reactor design and microbial control strategies.
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