Nano and Microscale Topographies for the Prevention of Bacterial Surface Fouling

Abstract

Bacterial surface fouling is problematic for a wide range of applications and industries, including, but not limited to medical devices (implants, replacement joints, stents, pacemakers), municipal infrastructure (pipes, wastewater treatment), food production (food processing surfaces, processing equipment), and transportation (ship hulls, aircraft fuel tanks). One method to combat bacterial biofouling is to modify the topographical structure of the surface in question, thereby limiting the ability of individual cells to attach to the surface, colonize, and form biofilms. Multiple research groups have demonstrated that micro and nanoscale topographies significantly reduce bacterial biofouling, for both individual cells and bacterial biofilms. Antifouling strategies that utilize engineered topographical surface features with well-defined dimensions and shapes have demonstrated a greater degree of controllable inhibition over initial cell attachment, in comparison to undefined, texturized, or porous surfaces. This review article will explore the various approaches and techniques used by researches, including work from our own group, and the underlying physical properties of these highly structured, engineered micro/nanoscale topographies that significantly impact bacterial surface attachment.

Development of Nano TiO2–Geopolymer Functional Composite as Antifouling Bricks

“…Traditional bricks as a raw material in the building are vulnerable to weathering both chemically and mechanically, brittle and sensitive to the salting reaction, and directly related to the presence of micro-organisms deposit on the building [3][4][5][20][21]. Biofouling can be defined as the accumulation of micro-organisms, plants, and animals which are attached to either temporary or permanent on building facades [6]. One of the promising material which has abundant precursor and easy to produce is geopolymer bricks.…”

Wetting, Solubility and Chemical Characteristics of Plasma-Polymerized 1-Isopropyl-4-Methyl-1,4-Cyclohexadiene Thin Films

“…Surface wetting by physiological fluids is a key determinant of biocompatibility and degradation under in vitro and in vivo conditions [1,8]. The surface-solvent kinetics and ensuing degradation of organic materials under aqueous conditions is an important consideration for biodegradable and compostable electronics, where it would affect both operational performance and the physical transience of the device [9].…”

Design of intelligent surfaces for energy intensive processing industry

“…The majority of surface topographies are controlled at the macro-scale, but not often controlled at the micro and nano scale [11]. As food components exist over a range of length scales, the structure of the solid surface affects the likelihood and extent of fouling.…”

“…As food components exist over a range of length scales, the structure of the solid surface affects the likelihood and extent of fouling. For example, bacteria range in the micrometre size and their surface appendages in the nanometre range, the control of surface topography at these scales could strongly affect bacterial attachment [11]. There are a number of different approaches to create a nano structured surface, from 0D nanoparticles, 1D wires and individual fibres, 2D thin films and 3D fibre assembly [12].…”

“…There are a number of different approaches to create a nano structured surface, from 0D nanoparticles, 1D wires and individual fibres, 2D thin films and 3D fibre assembly [12]. Engineered surface topographies can be achieved using a number of different methods including: nanoimprint lithography, photolithography, [11,13,14]. A number of these methods, although very effective at creating structured topographies, are not practical for large scale development of surfaces.…”