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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 13, 2026

Three-Dimensionally Printed Microfluidic Cross-flow System for Ultrafiltration/Nanofiltration Membrane Performance Testing

Three-Dimensionally Printed Microfluidic Cross-flow System for Ultrafiltration/Nanofiltration Membrane Performance Testing

Published on: February 13, 2016

Printing-Assisted Surface Modifications of Patterned Ultrafiltration Membranes.

Nathaniel C Wardrip¹, Melissa Dsouza^2,3, Meltem Urgun-Demirtas⁴

¹Department of Desalination and Water Treatment, Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Sede-Boqer Campus 84990, Israel.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

|October 18, 2016

Summary

Patterned polymer coatings on ultrafiltration membranes reduce microbial attachment and alter microbial community structure in wastewater treatment. This antifouling surface modification enhances membrane performance and offers new tools for optimizing wastewater treatment processes.

Keywords:

3D printing UV-initiated graft polymerization fouling maskless lithography microbial community analysis ultrafiltration membranes

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Last Updated: Mar 13, 2026

Three-Dimensionally Printed Microfluidic Cross-flow System for Ultrafiltration/Nanofiltration Membrane Performance Testing

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Published on: February 13, 2016

Preparation of Light-responsive Membranes by a Combined Surface Grafting and Postmodification Process

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Published on: March 21, 2014

Light-induced Patterning and Grafting for Slippery Surfaces based on Silane-coated Nanoporous Structures

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Published on: November 14, 2025

Area of Science:

Membrane science and technology
Environmental microbiology
Polymer chemistry

Background:

Microbial surface attachment (biofouling) is a major challenge in membrane-based wastewater treatment, reducing efficiency and lifespan.
Developing effective antifouling strategies is crucial for optimizing wastewater treatment processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of patterned polymer coatings on membrane fouling and microbial community structure.
To evaluate the efficacy of different polymer chemistries and pattern orientations in preventing microbial attachment.

Main Methods:

Utilized maskless lithographic patterning to create striped polymer coatings (polyethylene glycol, zwitterionic, negatively charged) on ultrafiltration membranes.
Assessed membrane fouling and analyzed the attached microbial community structure using wastewater under different coating conditions (parallel/perpendicular stripes).

Main Results:

Membrane fouling was significantly influenced by the orientation and chemical composition of the polymer coatings.
Modified membranes showed reduced microbial diversity (Shannon index decrease) and depletion of Sphingomonas species, known facilitators of adhesion.
Distinct microbial community structures were observed across control, patterned, and chemically diverse membranes.

Conclusions:

Patterned polymer coatings offer a versatile approach to controlling microbial attachment on membranes.
Surface modification strategies can effectively mitigate biofouling and modulate microbial communities in wastewater treatment.
This work expands the toolkit for membrane surface engineering and antifouling surface development.