Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/5839

Title

Modeling of the growth of filamentous fungi in artificial microstructures

Author(s)

Nicolau, Dan V. Jr;  Hanson, Kristi L.;  Nicolau, Dan V.

Abstract

We present a stochastic and spatial Monte Carlo model for the growth of a fungal colony in microstructures. This model is based on an 'L-system-like' representation of filaments as individual objects. Each of these can both grow in space (and be diverted by obstacles) and can send new branches. All parameters in the model such as filament dimensions, the growth speed, behavior at and around obstacles, branching angle and frequency and others are obtained from experimental studies of growth in artificial microstructures. We investigate four different possible 'strategies; the colony might use to achieve the tasks of (a) filling the available space and (2) finding its way out of the structures. The simulation results indicate that a combination of directional memory and a stop-and-branch behavior at corners gives the best results and observe that in fact this is similar to the experimentally observed behavior of the fungi. The model is expected to be of use in studying the colonization of microstructures by fungi and in the design of devices either using fungal growth or aiming to inhibit it.

Publication type

Conference paper

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences. Industrial Research Institute Swinburne

Source

Proceedings of SPIE : Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging : BioMEMS and Nanotechnology II, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 12-14 December 2005, Vol. 6036, p. 211-217

Publication year

2006

Publisher

SPIE

Format

211-217

ISBN

0819460672

Publisher URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.668546

Copyright

Copyright © 2006 SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering.

Peer reviewed