title: A Spatially Continuous Model of Carbohydrate Digestion and Transport Processes in the Colon.
abstract: A spatially continuous mathematical model of transport processes, anaerobic digestion and microbial complexity as would be expected in the human colon is presented. The model is a system of first-order partial differential equations with context determined number of dependent variables, and stiff, non-linear source terms. Numerical simulation of the model is used to elucidate information about the colon-microbiota complex. It is found that the composition of materials on outflow of the model does not well-describe the composition of material in other model locations, and inferences using outflow data varies according to model reactor representation. Additionally, increased microbial complexity allows the total microbial community to withstand major system perturbations in diet and community structure. However, distribution of strains and functional groups within the microbial community can be modified depending on perturbation length and microbial kinetic parameters. Preliminary model extensions and potential investigative opportunities using the computational model are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Biophysics Interdepartmental Group and Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Arun S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Moorthy
authors.affiliation: Bureau of Nutrition, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Stephen P J
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.affiliation: Atlantic Food and Horticulture Research Station, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kalmokoff
authors.affiliation: Biophysics Interdepartmental Group and Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Hermann J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Eberl
mesh_terms: D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000378:metabolism*; D004063:Digestion; D005285:Fermentation; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D064307:Microbiota; D008962:Models, Theoretical
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates