Physiochemically Distinct Surface Properties of SU-8 Polymer Modulate Bacterial Cell-Surface Holdfast and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Microbiology
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• SU-8 polymer is widely used for micro/nanostructure fabrication due to its favorable properties.
• Understanding how SU-8 surface characteristics influence bacterial interactions is crucial for biological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of tailored SU-8 nanoscale surface properties on the motility, adhesion, and colonization of Xylella fastidiosa.
• To elucidate the relationship between SU-8 surface chemistry and bacterial behavior.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of SU-8 thin films with varying surface properties using photolithography and oxygen plasma treatment.
• Assessment of bacterial single-cell motility and adhesion on pristine and plasma-treated SU-8 surfaces.
• Quantitative analysis of bacterial colonization and surface coverage.

Main Results:

• Hydrophilic, plasma-treated SU-8 surfaces with higher carboxyl group density promoted faster Xylella fastidiosa motility.
• Hydrophobic, pristine SU-8 surfaces exhibited significantly higher bacterial adhesion (5-10 times more cells) and no trackable motility.
• Plasma-treated SU-8 surfaces suppressed bacterial adhesion, resulting in less than 5% surface coverage.

Conclusions:

• SU-8 surface properties critically influence the spatiotemporal behavior of Xylella fastidiosa.
• Tailoring SU-8 surface chemistry offers a method to control bacterial adhesion and motility.
• Findings provide insights into pathogen adaptability to diverse surface environments.