Speaker: Mr. Jia Zhao, Department of Mathematics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA

Abstract: Biofilm is ubiquitous in our daily life, such as in dental plaque and sewage pipes. It is a micro-organism, where bacteria stick together by secreting extracelluar polymeric substances (EPS).  Significant attentions have been attracted into biofilm research, due to the fact that  it is useful in sewage, as well as, it is the cause for many chronic disease. In this talk, a three dimensional hydrodynamic model has been derived, by phase-field approach. The hydrodynamical effects on biofilm formation and functioning have been analyzed. Later, by distinguishing various types of bacteria, the quorum sensing and antimicrobial effects in biofilm would also be discussed. Our modeling approach appears to be an effective tool for understanding the mechanism of biofilm formation and functioning and provides an insight on biofilm treatment.

Date&Time: August 2, 2013 (Friday), 15:30 – 16:30
Location: 606 Conference Room