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Biofilms

Biofilms

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device

Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device

Published on: December 14, 2017

A 2D channel-clogging biofilm model.

H F Winstanley¹, M Chapwanya, A C Fowler

¹MACSI, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland, henry.winstanley@ul.ie.

Journal of Mathematical Biology

|September 22, 2014

Summary

Biofilm growth in channels can lead to pore clogging. Our model shows that under certain conditions, biomass accumulation can completely block fluid flow, depending on how the biofilm detaches.

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Last Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device

Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device

Published on: December 14, 2017

A Microfluidic Platform to Study Bioclogging in Porous Media

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Published on: October 13, 2022

Visualizing the Effects of Sputum on Biofilm Development Using a Chambered Coverglass Model

Visualizing the Effects of Sputum on Biofilm Development Using a Chambered Coverglass Model

Published on: December 14, 2016

Area of Science:

Multiphase flow
Biogeochemical processes
Fluid dynamics

Background:

Biofilms exhibit complex rheological properties, often resembling viscous polymer solutions.
Understanding biofilm dynamics is crucial for managing industrial and environmental systems.
Flow-induced erosion competes with biofilm growth, influencing spatial distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

To model biofilm growth in a long channel with viscous polymer rheology.
To investigate the interplay between biofilm growth and flow-induced detachment.
To determine if biofilms can cause complete pore clogging by altering fluid flow.

Main Methods:

A 2D mathematical model simulating biofilm growth and detachment.
Coupling net biofilm growth with flow rate and nutrient transport along the pore.
Analyzing the stability of steady-state biofilm thicknesses.

Main Results:

Biofilm growth significantly impacts fluid flow dynamics within porous media.
Under a fixed pressure drop, complete pore clogging is possible.
The likelihood of clogging depends on the specific functional form of the biofilm detachment term.

Conclusions:

Biofilm accumulation can lead to pore space closure, impeding fluid transport.
The rheology of the biofilm and detachment mechanisms are critical factors in clogging.
This model provides insights into the conditions leading to flow cessation in porous media due to biofilm formation.