Antibacterial effect on microscale rough surface formed by fine particle bombarding

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Microbiology
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Fine particle bombarding (FPB) is a surface modification technique using high-speed fine particles.
• FPB creates microscale roughness on metal surfaces, with particle diameters ranging from micrometers.
• FPB-treated surfaces are increasingly used in the food industry, necessitating an understanding of their antibacterial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antibacterial activity of microscale rough surfaces generated by FPB.
• To evaluate the efficacy of FPB-treated stainless steel against common foodborne pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Stainless steel surfaces were treated using fine particle bombarding (FPB).
• Two types of FPB treatments were applied, resulting in different average pitches (0.72 µm and 3.56 µm).
• Antibacterial activity was assessed using a modified JIS Z 2801 test method (based on ISO 22196:2007).

Main Results:

• FPB-treated stainless steel surfaces demonstrated antibacterial activity.
• Both FPB-1 (avg. pitch: 0.72 µm) and FPB-2 (avg. pitch: 3.56 µm) surfaces inhibited bacterial growth.
• Effective antibacterial action was observed against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions:

• Microscale roughness induced by FPB on stainless steel possesses inherent antibacterial properties.
• FPB treatment offers a promising surface modification strategy for enhancing hygiene in food industry applications.
• The study confirms the potential of FPB surfaces for controlling bacterial contamination.