Modeling
Our Mathematical Models
ImageJ and well diffusion assay quantification
We utilized a well-diffusion assay for AHL quantification. Although the primary goal of our utilization of this technique was to determine the concentration of AHL in samples of milk, this required the creation of a model to convert between the diffusion of AHL on the plate and known amounts of the signalling molecule.
To develop this model, we ran well-diffusion assays at varying quantities of AHL between 200 and 60000 pmol. We then photographed the plates and utilized ImageJ, a scientific image-processing tool, to calculate the area and average radius of the region of diffusion for all plates.
With this information, we were able to develop a logarithmic model to convert from area of diffusion to an approximate concentration. With its R2=0.94, our model is highly supported by our data. We then used this equation for further quantification of AHL in our samples.
