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Investigating Single Molecule Adhesion by Atomic Force Spectroscopy
Published on: February 27, 2015
Quantification of E. coli adhesion to polyamides and polystyrene with atomic force microscopy
Beng Joo Reginald Thio1, J Carson Meredith
1School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332-0100, United States.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|July 1, 2008
Summary
Atomic force microscopy revealed E. coli adhesion forces to indoor surface materials like polyamides and polystyrene. Polystyrene showed stronger adhesion, impacting indoor air pollutant dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bioparticle adhesion to indoor surfaces influences indoor air quality.
- Understanding bacterial adhesion mechanisms is crucial for managing indoor air pollutants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify adhesion forces between E. coli and common indoor surface polymers.
- To investigate the role of polymer type on bacterial adhesion.
- To assess the implications of adhesion forces for bacterial removal.
Main Methods:
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to measure adhesion forces.
- Immobilized E. coli were probed against AFM tips coated with polyamide 6, 6,6, 12, and polystyrene.
- A square-pyramid flat-surface model was used to calculate work of adhesion and Hamaker constants.
Main Results:
- Adhesion forces between E. coli and polymers ranged from 2.9 to 6.7 nN.
- Polystyrene exhibited 1.4 times stronger adhesion to E. coli compared to polyamides.
- Calculated adhesion forces suggest bacteria remain adhered during foot traffic but release during vacuuming.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial adhesion forces to indoor polymers are significant and vary by material.
- Polystyrene surfaces demonstrate higher E. coli adhesion potential.
- Adhesion characteristics influence the fate of bioparticles as indoor air pollutants and inform cleaning strategies.
