Probing the interactions between air bubbles and (bio)interfaces at the nanoscale using FluidFM technology

Area of Science:

• Surface Science
• Microfluidics
• Atomic Force Microscopy

Background:

• Understanding bubble-surface interactions is crucial for controlling processes involving bubbles.
• Traditional atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods are limited by unstable, large bubbles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for producing stable, microsized bubbles for interaction studies.
• To investigate bubble interactions with hydrophobic surfaces and microorganisms.
• To engineer bubble surfaces for controlled interactions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized FluidFM technology, combining AFM and microfluidics, to generate stable, microsized air bubbles.
• Probed interactions between these bubbles and hydrophobic samples.
• Investigated the influence of electrostatic forces on bubble-microorganism interactions.
• Developed a strategy for bubble surface functionalization.

Main Results:

• FluidFM successfully produced stable, microsized bubbles suitable for interaction studies.
• Bubbles in water demonstrated hydrophobic surface behavior.
• Bubble interactions with microorganisms were influenced by both hydrophobic and electrostatic forces.
• Surface functionalization allowed modulation of bubble-interface interactions.

Conclusions:

• FluidFM technology offers a novel approach to studying bubble-surface and bubble-biomaterial interactions.
• This method provides insights into the role of hydrophobic and electrostatic forces.
• The ability to engineer bubble surfaces opens avenues for controlling interfacial phenomena and developing new applications.