(399n) Quantifying Bacterial Adhesion to Polymeric Membranes By Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy
AIChE Annual Meeting
2017
2017 Annual Meeting
Separations Division
Poster Session: General Topics on Separations
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 - 3:15pm to 4:45pm
Biofouling constitutes a major technical problem in membrane-based processes for water treatment. The permeate flux, selectivity and useful life of the membrane deteriorate as the biofilm develops. Understanding bacterial adhesion, the crucial first step in biofilm formation, is essential for the formulation of biofouling-resistant membranes. In this study, we use AFM-based single-cell force spectroscopy to measure the adhesion force of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens on polymeric ultrafiltration membrane surfaces. Our investigation examines the effects of membrane and solution chemistry, and cell-polymeric membrane contact time, on the adhesion of single bacterial cells. This study yields insight into the formulation of biofouling-resistant membranes for water treatment, as well a better understanding of the interaction between bacterial surface structures mediating adhesion to the membrane surface.