Surface Modification of Brass via Ultrashort Pulsed Direct Laser Interference Patterning and Its Effect on Bacteria-Substrate Interaction

Abstract

In recent decades, antibiotic resistance has become a crucial challenge for human health. One potential solution to this problem is the use of antibacterial surfaces, i.e., copper and copper alloys. This study investigates the antibacterial properties of brass that underwent topographic surface functionalization via ultrashort pulsed direct laser interference patterning. Periodic line-like patterns in the scale range of single bacterial cells were created on brass with a 37% zinc content to enhance the contact area for rod-shaped Escherichia coli (E. coli). Although the topography facilitates attachment of bacteria to the surface, reduced killing rates for E. coli are observed. In parallel, a high-resolution methodical approach was employed to explore the impact of laser-induced topographical and chemical modifications on the antibacterial properties. The findings reveal the underlying role of the chemical modification concerning the antimicrobial efficiency of the Cu-based alloy within the superficial layers of a few hundred nanometers. Overall, this study provides valuable insight into the effect of alloy composition on targeted laser processing for antimicrobial Cu-surfaces, which facilitates the thorough development and optimization of the process concerning antimicrobial applications.

Adsorption-Driven Deformation and Footprints of the RBD Proteins in SARS-CoV-2 Variants on Biological and Inanimate Surfaces

“…Remarkably, residue 153 mutates from hydrophilic (in WT-GLU) to hydrophobic (in Omicron ALA) and allows the formation of hydrophobic pockets as the crook-handle forms its closed configuration (see Figure c). This hydrophobic formation could potentially drive further design of rather nanopatterned surfaces to trap and disassemble viruses, similar to the ideas discussed for killing cells with nanostructured surfaces. , …”

“…This hydrophobic formation could potentially drive further design of rather nanopatterned surfaces to trap and disassemble viruses, similar to the ideas discussed for killing cells with nanostructured surfaces. 62,63 ■…”

Laser‐Textured Surfaces: A Way to Control Biofilm Formation?

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