Predicting biofilm deformation with a viscoelastic phase field model:
modeling and experimental studies
Abstract
Biofilms commonly develop in flowing aqueous environments, where the
flow causes the biofilm to deform. Because biofilm deformation affects
the flow regime, and because biofilms behave as complex heterogeneous
viscoelastic materials, few models are able to predict biofilm
deformation. In this study, a phase field continuum model coupled with
the Oldroyd-B constitutive equation was developed and used to simulate
biofilm deformation. The accuracy of the model was evaluated using two
types of biofilms: a synthetic biofilm, made from alginate mixed with
bacterial cells, and a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. Shear
rheometry was used to experimentally determine the mechanical parameters
for each biofilm, as inputs for the model. Biofilm deformation under
fluid flow was monitored experimentally using optical coherence
tomography. The fit between the experimental and modeling geometries
after fluid-driven deformation was very good, with relative errors of
12.8% for synthetic biofilm and 22.2% for homogenized P.
aeruginosa biofilm. This is the first demonstration of the
effectiveness of a viscoelastic phase field biofilm model. This model
provides an important tool for predicting biofilm viscoelastic
deformation. It also can benefit the design and control of biofilms in
engineering systems.