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Penetration of Nanoparticles into a Biofilm from a Bulk Fluid

Neubig, Ryan D.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1324496584

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Science, University of Akron, Applied Mathematics.
A biofilm is a sessile community of microorganisms embedded in a self-secreted ma- trix composed of extracellular polymeric substance. Biofilms display an increased resistance to antimicrobial agents and host clearance mechanisms. We develop a mathematical model to simulate the transport and deposition of nanoparticles in the deep passages of the lungs infected with biofilm. The nanoparticles are vessels for antimicrobial agents, and upon penetration into the biofilm via diffusion, the par- ticles degrade and release the antimicrobial into the surrounding ecology. In our model a solution of polymer-PLGA nanoparticles is injected into a parallel-plate flow cell. The flow cell has a substrate of biofilm of known surface morphology. Then, a mucus barrier, similar to those found in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis, is introduced to the surface of the biofilm to investigate its effects on nanoparticle diffusion into the biofilm. The system of governing equations describing the model is reduced to two coupled partial differential equations though asymptotic expansion, and is solved using numerical methods. We compare the effects of system variables and mucus on nanoparticle concentrations in the biofilm. We find the sensitivity of our model to changes in the magnitude of system variables, and how the addition of a mucus barrier over the biofilm affects nanoparticle penetration into the biofilm.
Gerald Young, Dr. (Advisor)
Kevin Kreider, Dr. (Advisor)
Curtis Clemons, Dr. (Advisor)
Patrick Wilber, Dr. (Advisor)

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Neubig, R. D. (2011). Penetration of Nanoparticles into a Biofilm from a Bulk Fluid [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1324496584

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Neubig, Ryan. Penetration of Nanoparticles into a Biofilm from a Bulk Fluid. 2011. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1324496584.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Neubig, Ryan. "Penetration of Nanoparticles into a Biofilm from a Bulk Fluid." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1324496584

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.