Micro- and Nanotopography Sensitive Bacterial Attachment Mechanisms: A Review

Abstract

Bacterial attachment to material surfaces can lead to the development of biofilms that cause severe economic and health problems. The outcome of bacterial attachment is determined by a combination of bacterial sensing of material surfaces by the cell and the physicochemical factors in the near-surface environment. This paper offers a systematic review of the effects of surface topography on a range of antifouling mechanisms, with a focus on how topographical scale, from micro- to nanoscale, may influence bacterial sensing of and attachment to material surfaces. A good understanding of these mechanisms can facilitate the development of antifouling surfaces based on surface topography, with applications in various sectors of human life and activity including healthcare, food, and water treatment.

Efficacy of Commercial Sanitizers Used in Food Processing Facilities for Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes, E. Coli O157:H7, and Salmonella Biofilms

“…Apart from a bacteria's ability to initiate attachment, intrinsic factors related to the chemistry of foods and extrinsic factors, such as the food contact surface itself, can influence the level of attachment and biofilm formation [7][8][9]. Bacteria may be influenced by different 'scale effects' of surface topography (i.e., nano-vs. micro-scale) that may affect attachment [10]. Early attachment may not be a completely random process, but rather may involve preferential attachment to sites that improve the chance of sustaining the development of biofilm [11].…”

Nanoporous anodic alumina reduces Staphylococcus biofilm formation

“…, ). More generally, a recent review summarizes the broad range of effects that nanoscale topography may have on bacterial attachment (Cheng et al ).…”

“…electrostatic and hydration forces) (Feng et al 2014(Feng et al , 2015, chemical gradients and conditioning films (Lazzara et al 2011;Liu et al 2016), and bacterial mechanosensing (Rizzello et al 2011(Rizzello et al , 2012. More generally, a recent review summarizes the broad range of effects that nanoscale topography may have on bacterial attachment (Cheng et al 2019).…”

Urinary Catheter Coating Modifications: The Race against Catheter-Associated Infections

“…There are several anti-fouling catheters including those coated with hydrogels (most popular) [27,28], poly(tetrafluoroethylene) [34][35][36][37][38], polyzwitterions [39][40][41], and poly(ethylene glycol) [42][43][44][45][46]. Furthermore, surface topography modification [47][48][49][50] and enzymes-immobilized coatings [51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58] have been explored for prevention of microbial colonization and biofilm formation. These polymers and modifications are discussed in detail in this section.…”

“…Modifications to the topography of surfaces have been applied with the goal to decrease bacterial adhesion [48]. Many of these modifications have been inspired by nature; for example, mimicking surfaces such as sharkskin, gecko feet, and flower peddles, which naturally discourage biofilm formation [47].…”