Stability Analysis of a Binary Culture Chemostat Experiencing Biofilm Formation

Abstract

Time-dependent biofilm formation effects on continuous fermenter operation are modelled here for a binary culture of microorganisms growing on a single substrate. Dynamic computer solutions are detailed for a mixed culture of one microbe a having a higher growth rate than a second microbe b for two hypothetical scenarios of microbe b having different magnitudes of cellular deposition rate. A stability analysis of the resultant steady-states is also provided. Biofilm effects on the estimation of kinetic and stoichiometric parameters in a chemostat plus the impact of biofilms on mixed culture dynamics are discussed.