Fluid dynamics of aggregation and attachment

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Flow-mediated aggregation and attachment of microscale species to surfaces is pervasive in industrial, biological and pharmacological processes, ranging from bacterial colonisation of surgical implants to biomaterial manufacture. Since fluid stress and boundaries can alter the shape, swimming direction and biological function of bacterial cells and proteins, fluid flow can either promote or reduce aggregation. Continuum modelling is well suited to capture these processes over the length scales and timescales relevant to industrial systems and biological functions. However, continuum models which are not grounded in microscale processes are often unable to provide quantitative predictions. In this fellowship, I will develop a framework to incorporate accurate flow-mediated microscale dynamics of fluid-responsive species into macroscale models of aggregating systems. I will apply this methodology to study two systems with timely relevance to industry and healthcare: biofilm formation in porous media and therapeutic protein aggregation during injection. This framework will be developed theoretically by first modelling attachment under shear in kinetic microscale continuum models, then exploring under which parameter regimes a mean-field description of the microscale dynamics can be reached. I will then incorporate these microscale continuum dynamics into macroscopic fluid models using homogenisation and asymptotic multiple scales analysis. These models which will be validated using experimental and microscale simulated data both at the microscale and macroscale and will then be used to predict ways of minimising clogging in both systems through control of flow parameters and device design. This work will produce new theoretical advances in continuum modelling, as well as quantitative predictions to guide the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections, manufacturing of therapeutic drugs and the delivery of vaccines, with beneficial impacts on millions of people worldwide.