Effects of Near-Field Hydrodynamic Interactions on Bacterial Dynamics Near a Solid Surface

TL;DR

This study uses a two-body model to show how near-field hydrodynamic interactions influence bacterial movement and entrapment near surfaces, revealing mechanisms behind bacteria's surface residence times and circular trajectories.

Contribution

It introduces a chiral two-body simulation model to analyze bacterial dynamics near surfaces, highlighting the role of near-field hydrodynamics in surface entrapment.

Findings

Bacteria slow down and diffuse less near surfaces.

Circular trajectories depend on bacterial chirality and stable height.

Near-field hydrodynamics increase bacterial surface residence time.

Abstract

Near-field hydrodynamic interactions between bacteria and no-slip solid surfaces are the main mechanism underlying surface entrapment of bacteria. In this study, we employ a chiral two-body model to simulate bacterial dynamics near the surface. The simulation results show that as bacteria approach the surface, their translational velocities and diffusion coefficients decrease. Under the combination of near-field hydrodynamic interactions and DLVO forces, bacteria reach a stable fixed point in the phase plane and follow circular trajectories at this point. In particular, bacteria with left-handed helical flagella exhibit clockwise circular motion on the surface. During this process, as the stable height increases, the near-field hydrodynamic interactions weaken. Consequently, the translational velocity of the bacteria parallel to the surface increases while the rotational velocity perpendicular to the surface decreases, collectively increasing the radius of curvature. Ultimately, our findings demonstrate that near-field hydrodynamic interactions significantly prolong the surface residence time of bacteria. Additionally, smaller stable heights further amplify this effect, resulting in longer residence times and enhanced surface entrapment.