Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Creating Rapid Oxygen Oscillations in Microbial Single-cell Growth Analysis using a Microfluidic Double-layer Device
Published on: July 18, 2025
Differential equation-based minimal model describing metabolic oscillations in Bacillus subtilis biofilms
Ravindra Garde1,2, Bashar Ibrahim1,3,4, Ákos T Kovács5
1Department of Bioinformatics, Matthias Schleiden Institute, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2, 07743 Jena, Germany.
Abstract:
Biofilms offer an excellent example of ecological interaction among bacteria. Temporal and spatial oscillations in biofilms are an emerging topic. In this paper, we describe the metabolic oscillations in Bacillus subtilis biofilms by applying the smallest theoretical chemical reaction system showing Hopf bifurcation proposed by Wilhelm and Heinrich in 1995. The system involves three differential equations and a single bilinear term. We specifically select parameters that are suitable for the biological scenario of biofilm oscillations. We perform computer simulations and a detailed analysis of the system including bifurcation analysis and quasi-steady-state approximation. We also discuss the feedback structure of the system and the correspondence of the simulations to biological observations. Our theoretical work suggests potential scenarios about the oscillatory behaviour of biofilms and also serves as an application of a previously described chemical oscillator to a biological system.
Related Concept Videos
Operon Model
Bacterial Growth Curve
Exponential Equations for Modeling Growth
Pharmacokinetic Models: Comparison and Selection Criterion
Physiological models take a detailed approach by considering specific molecular processes. They can predict drug distribution, metabolism, and elimination changes, providing a comprehensive understanding of how drugs interact with the body.
Damped Oscillations
Although friction and other non-conservative...
Physiological Pharmacokinetic Models: Blood Flow-Limited Versus Diffusion-Limited Models

