Nonlinear deformation and localized failure of bacterial streamers in creeping flows

Abstract eng:
We investigate nonlinear deformation and localized failure of filamentous bacterial biomass known as streamers in a microfluidic device. In-situ quantification of streamer deformation and failure behaviour is made possible by the use of 200 nm fluorescent polystyrene beads which firmly embed in the extra cellular polymeric substance (EPS) and act as tracers. The streamers, which form soon after the commencement of flow begin to deviate from an apparently quiescent fully formed state in spite of steady background flow and limited mass accretion indicating significant mechanical nonlinearity. This nonlinear behaviour shows distinct phases of deformation with mutually different characteristic times and comes to an end with a distinct localized failure of the streamer far fromthe walls.

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