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Updated: May 26, 2026
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Surface Potential Measurement of Bacteria Using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
Published on: November 28, 2014
Scanning surface potential microscopy of spore adhesion on surfaces
1Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States. ilee1@utk.edu
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|December 27, 2011
Summary
Bacillus thuringiensis spores exhibit a negative surface potential, which decreases with increasing humidity. This electrostatic property influences spore adhesion to surfaces, with highly negative surfaces preventing adherence.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Surface Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Bacillus anthracis spores pose a biological threat, and understanding their adhesion to surfaces is crucial for decontamination.
- Directly studying B. anthracis is challenging due to safety concerns, necessitating the use of simulants like Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Electrostatic properties of spores are key factors influencing their interaction with various substrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of relative humidity on the surface electrostatic potential of Bacillus thuringiensis spores.
- To understand how surface potential affects spore adhesion to different materials.
- To establish a foundational understanding for studying the adhesion of B. anthracis spores.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Scanning Surface Potential Microscopy (SSPM), also known as Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), to measure surface electrostatic potential.
- Examined Bacillus thuringiensis spores adhered to silica, mica, and gold substrates.
- Conducted measurements under varying relative humidity conditions after spore deposition and drying.
Main Results:
- Bacillus thuringiensis spores displayed a negative surface potential relative to the tested substrates.
- The negative surface potential of the spores decreased as relative humidity increased.
- Spores demonstrated reduced adhesion to surfaces exhibiting extremely negative potentials, such as mica.
Conclusions:
- Relative humidity significantly impacts the surface electrostatic potential of Bacillus thuringiensis spores.
- The electrostatic properties of spores, modulated by humidity, play a critical role in their adhesion behavior.
- Findings provide insights into spore-surface interactions relevant to B. anthracis risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
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