Figure 3. Effect of relative binding affinities over light production.

The effect that polymer affinity for signals (K_PS) and bacteria (K_PB) has over light production was predicted by the model. In the presence of weak polymer-bacteria interactions, “dual-action” polymers (P3) quench light production regardless of the polymer concentration [P] and time at which light production was evaluated (top). As polymer bacteria affinity (K_PB) increases, the overall outcome of the polymer interference changes, and enhancement of light production is expected at higher polymer concentrations. In addition, the overall light production depends on the relative intensities (K_PB and K_PS) of both affinities as well as the time at which light production is evaluated (bottom). In order to obtain “dual-action” polymers that consistently quench light production, polymers with low affinity towards the bacteria (K_PB) are required. Initial conditions (cell positioning, random seeds) for the simulations are identical. Time = 5000, 15000 and 30000 a.u. were selected as representative early, mid and late time respectively for the simulations. Top: Polymer affinity for signals, K_PS 0.1 a.u., was selected as a representative value. See Supplementary Information for further details.