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Quantitative Analysis of Cell Edge Dynamics during Cell Spreading
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Quantitative Analysis of Cell Edge Dynamics during Cell Spreading

Published on: May 22, 2021

Adhesion strength and spreading characteristics of EPS on membrane surfaces during lateral and central growth

Berrin Tansel1, Derya Z Tansel1

  • 1Florida International University, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Miami, FL, USA.

Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|August 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) form on membranes, influencing bacterial attachment. This study analyzed EPS morphological changes on polysulfone membranes using atomic force microscopy, revealing altered surface properties.

Area of Science:

  • Membrane science and technology
  • Environmental engineering
  • Materials science

Background:

  • Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) deposition on membrane surfaces precedes bacterial attachment.
  • Understanding EPS morphology is crucial for mitigating membrane fouling in bioreactors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze morphological changes of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on a clean polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane.
  • To investigate the impact of membrane bioreactor effluent on membrane surface properties.

Main Methods:

  • Morphological characterization using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
  • Analysis of lateral (2D) and central growth (3D) characteristics of EPS deposits.
  • Evaluation of contact angle and surface tension of EPS deposits.

Main Results:

  • Contact angle of EPS increased with cluster size, indicating altered hydrophobicity.
  • Surface tension of EPS deposits varied with cluster morphology.
  • EPS clusters exhibited negative spreading values, preferring to retain their shape on the polysulfone membrane.

Conclusions:

  • EPS deposition significantly alters polysulfone membrane surface properties.
  • Morphological characteristics of EPS influence their interaction with the membrane surface.
  • Findings provide insights into early-stage membrane fouling mechanisms.
Keywords:
Adhesion forceBioadhesionBiofilmBiofoulingEPSSurface tension

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