Towards mechanistic understanding of biofilms: understanding the transport phenomena, kinetics and rheology of biofilm formation and morphology. KU Leuven
Biofilms are bacterial communities of cells enclosed in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. From an engineering perspective, it is intriguing how the bacterial colonies shape their surroundings to provide protection from external influences (mechanical/chemical stress). On the other hand, the biofilm needs to be structured in such way that bacteria can move during its formation and nutrients can reach the bacteria. ...