  A dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) model for the quantitative simulation
of biofilm growth controlled by substrate (nutrient) consumption, advective and
diffusive substrate transport, and hydrodynamic interactions with fluid flow
(including fragmentation and reattachment) is described. The model was used to
simulate biomass growth, decay, and spreading. It predicts how the biofilm
morphology depends on flow conditions, biofilm growth kinetics, the
rheomechanical properties of the biofilm and adhesion to solid surfaces. The
morphology of the model biofilm depends strongly on its rigidity and the
magnitude of the body force that drives the fluid over the biofilm.
