Unveiling bacterial communication with a MATLAB GUI implementing the diffusion-based quorum sensing model

Abstract

AbstractBacteria employ quorum sensing as a remarkable mechanism for coordinating behaviors and communicating within their communities. In this study, we introduce a MATLAB Graphical User Interface (GUI) that offers a versatile platform for exploring the dynamics of quorum sensing. Our computational framework allows for the assessment of quorum sensing, the investigation of parameter dependencies, and the prediction of minimum biofilm thickness required for its initiation. A pivotal observation from our simulations underscores the pivotal role of the diffusion coefficient in quorum sensing, surpassing the influence of bacterial cell dimensions. Varying the diffusion coefficient reveals significant fluctuations in autoinducer concentration, highlighting its centrality in shaping bacterial communication. Additionally, our GUI facilitates the prediction of the minimum biofilm thickness necessary to trigger quorum sensing, a parameter contingent on the diffusion coefficient. This feature provides valuable insights into spatial constraints governing quorum sensing initiation. The interplay between production rates and cell concentrations emerges as another critical facet of our study. We observe that higher production rates or cell concentrations expedite quorum sensing, underscoring the intricate relationship between cell communication and population dynamics in bacterial communities. While our simulations align with mathematical models reported in the literature, we acknowledge the complexity of living organisms, emphasizing the value of our GUI for standardizing results and facilitating early assessments of quorum sensing. This computational approach offers a window into the environmental conditions conducive to quorum sensing initiation, encompassing parameters such as the diffusion coefficient, cell concentration, and biofilm thickness. In conclusion, our MATLAB GUI serves as a versatile tool for understanding the diverse aspects of quorum sensing especially for non-biologists. The insights gained from this computational framework advance our understanding of bacterial communication, providing researchers with the means to explore diverse ecological contexts where quorum sensing plays a pivotal role.