We consider the attachment of spherical particles in quiescent flow conditions with their surface coated with binding ligands , a model for fluid-immersed adhesion in many biological and artificial settings. Our theory highlights how the physics of the binding kinetics of these ligands (expressed through the collision factor function) as well as the attractive / repulsive surface potential in an ionic medium effects the eventual size of these particle aggregates (flocs). For experimentally measurable parameters in microbial population studies, our results suggests that large floc aggregates are possible with more stretchable ligands due to efficient inter-floc collisions ( or a large, non-zero collision factor). Strong electrolytic composition of the surrounding fluid favors large floc formation as well.
We consider rigid spherical particles coated with binding ligands and study their attachment in quiescent flow. This class of fluid-immersed adhesion is widespread in many natural and engineering settings. Our theory highlights how the physics of the binding kinetics of these ligands (expressed through the collision factor function) as well as the attractive / repulsive surface potential in an ionic medium effects the eventual size of these particle aggregates (flocs). As an application of our theory, we consider a microbial population of spherical bacteria. Our results suggest that the elastic ligands allow large floc aggregates by inducing efficient inter-floc collisions ( i.e., a large, non-zero collision factor). Strong electrolytic composition of the surrounding fluid favors large floc formation as well.
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As an application of our theory, we consider a microbial population of spherical bacteria. Our results suggest that the elastic ligands allow
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