Existence of two distinct time scales in the Fairen-Velarde model of bacterial respiration

TL;DR

This paper investigates bacterial respiration dynamics using the Fairen-Velarde model, revealing two distinct time scales in the system's approach to equilibrium, which can be manipulated to control bacterial activity.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of two different time scales in bacterial respiration dynamics and explores how nutrient concentrations influence metastable states.

Findings

Identification of slow and fast time scales in bacterial respiration

Metastable states near the limit cycle can be controlled by nutrient levels

System exhibits metastability with implications for bacterial activity management

Abstract

We study the bacterial respiration through the numerical solution of the Fairen-Velarde coupled nonlinear differential equations. The instantaneous concentrations of the oxygen and the nutrients are computed. The fixed point solution and the stable limit cycle are found in different parameter ranges as predicted by the linearized differential equations. In a specified range of parameters, it is observed that the system spends some time near the stable limit cycle and eventually reaches the stable fixed point. This metastability has been investigated systematically. Interestingly, it is observed that the system exhibits two distinctly different time scales in reaching the stable fixed points. The slow time scale of the metastable lifetime near the stable limit cycle and a fast time scale (after leaving the zone of limit cycle) in rushing towards the stable fixed point. The gross residence time, near the limit cycle (described by a slow time scale), can be reduced by varying the concentrations of nutrients. This idea can be used to control the harmful metastable lifespan of active bacteria.