SGER: Observing the development of biofilm structure under controlled complex flow patterns

aaron packman西北大学在受控复杂流动模式下观察生物膜结构的发展该项目的主要目标是开发和评估一种创新的实验系统，用于原位观察影响生物膜生长和结构的物理、化学和生物过程的耦合。该系统将由一个平面流动池组成，设计用于在流动条件下提供良好控制的流动诱导异质性，同时允许通过光学传感技术直接现场观察物理/化学条件，并通过显微镜方法观察微生物生长。该系统将允许研究不同复杂程度的微生物群落。目前用于研究生物膜的实验系统不允许像所提议的装置那样对所有因素进行平等的控制和观察。除了开发用于研究生物膜的工具外，该项目还将评估可建立的流动模式的范围以及它们如何影响系统中生物膜的生长。生物膜在自然环境和许多建筑系统中几乎无处不在，包括配水系统、处理厂、船体和水道的混凝土结构。

SGER ProposalCBET 0730976Aaron PackmanNorthwestern UniversityObserving the development of biofilm structure under controlled complex flow patterns The primary objective of this project is to develop and evaluate an innovative experimental system for in situ observation of the coupling of physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting the growth and structure of biofilms. The system will consist of a planar flow cell designed to provide well-controlled flow-induced heterogeneity in flow conditions while allowing direct in situ observation of physical/ chemical conditions by optical sensing techniques and microbial growth by microscopic methods. The system will allow the study of microbal communities of varying degrees of complexity. Current experimental systems for studying biofilms do not allow equal control and observation of all the factors that the proposed device will. Aside from developing a tool for research on biofilms, the project will evaluate the range of flow patterns that can be established and how they affect biofilm growth in the system. Biofilms are virtually ubiquitous in the natural environment and in many built systems, including water distribution systems, treatment plants, ship hulls, and concrete structures for waterways.