Computer Simulation of Bacteria Swimming in Various Fluidic Systems

Bacteria and cells have different swimming abilities and strategies. It has been shown that it is possible to design funnel-shaped fences in microfluidic systems that force swimming cells to concentrate on one side of the fence. This is not unlike how lobster are captured!

In this project, we will simulate the swimming of hundreds of interacting cells in the presence of various geometrical features in order to optimize their separation.

Time permitting, we will also examine the role of chemotaxis (cells tend to swim towards food sources) and cell-cell interactions (cell tend to synchronize their swim).

Faculty Supervisor:

Gary W. Slater

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University:

University of Ottawa

Program:

Globalink Research Internship