A finite element model for biofilm volume growth

In this work, we present a continuum-based approach for biofilm volume growth. The deformation gradient will be multiplicatively decomposed into two parts: a growth part due to bacteria formation and an elastic part due to the interaction with the environment. In order to define the growth behaviour of biofilms, we use the Monod approach that depends non-linearly on the substrate concentration. The substrate concentration in the biofilm is computed by means of a diffusion process, which includes substrate consumption, together with the mechanical behaviour as part of a coupled problem. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)