Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Complex Carbohydrates and the Mucus in a Mathematical Model of a Gut Reactor

The human gut microbiota rely on complex carbohydrates for energy and growth, particularly dietary fiber host-produced mucins. These must first be hydrolysed by certain microbial groups to enable cross-feeding the community. We consider a mathematical model of enzymatic hydrolysis into monomers species. resulting are subsequently digested species growth. in single compartment continuous stirred-tank reactor where is only available substrate. A two configuration which side connected diffusion also studied. taken mucus layer colon, providing refuge from washout an additional source carbohydrate form models studied using stability analysis, numerical exploration, sensitivity analysis. delay substrate availability due results bistability unconditional asymptotic trivial equilibrium. addition allows survive under conditions that would otherwise result comparable reactor. This suggest depending features being studied, extracellular representation should included lab microbiota.