Monte Carlo simulation of bioadhesion

Modern trends in material sciences require novel methods and strategies. In the future, interactions between solid surfaces and microorganisms may be of high interest in areas such as microsystem techniques, biotechnology, clean-room techniques and for the development of bio-materials. From the view of a perfect theoretical description such modelling may offer specific energetic information on cell adhesion to solid surfaces in reference to topography, different surface properties and environmental conditions. One aim of this paper is the presentation of a probabilistic model that allows the study of microbial attachment to solid surfaces and the acting parts of adhesion energy. A comparison with thermodynamic theory shows the same basis and also the same distinctions. The general principles of Monte Carlo simulations with which it is possible to simulate reactions on phase boundaries like adhesion are given. One result of such computer runs is the prediction of cell pattern and the structure of forming clusters. These patterns can be directly compared with experimental results. These first presented results show that the energies of attachment and detachment influence strongly the formation of a stable grown cluster.