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Functional Surfaces for Passive Fungal Proliferation Control: Effect of Surface Micro- and Nanotopography, Material,
Vasiliki Tselepi1, Panagiotis Sarkiris2, Dimitrios Nioras2
1Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials and Nanotechnology, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, Leoforos Dimokratias 66, Myrina 81400, Lemnos, Greece.
Abstract:
Fungal proliferation can lead to adverse effects for human health, due to the production of pathogenic and allergenic toxins and also through the creation of fungal biofilms on sensitive surfaces (i.e., medical equipment). On top of that, food spoilage from fungal activity is a major issue, with food losses exceeding 30% annually. In this study, the effect of the surface micro- and nanotopography, material (aluminum, Al, and poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA), and wettability against Aspergillus awamori is investigated. The fungal activity is monitored using dynamic conditions by immersing the surfaces inside fungal spore-containing suspensions and measuring the fungal biomass growth, while the surfaces with the optimum antifungal properties are also evaluated by placing them near spore suspensions of A. awamori on agar plates. Al- and PMMA-based superhydrophobic surfaces demonstrate a passive-like antifungal profile, and the fungal growth is significantly reduced (1.6-2.2 times lower biomass). On the other hand, superhydrophilic PMMA surfaces enhance fungal proliferation, resulting in a 2.6 times higher fungal total dry weight. In addition, superhydrophobic surfaces of both materials exhibit antifouling and antiadhesive properties, whereas both superhydrophobic surfaces also create an "inhibition" zone against the growth of A. awamori when tested on agar plates.
Insights
Superhydrophobic surfaces made from aluminum and PMMA significantly inhibit fungal growth and biofilm formation. These surfaces offer a passive antifungal strategy, reducing fungal biomass by up to 2.2 times.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mycology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Fungal proliferation poses risks to human health via toxins and biofilms on medical equipment.
- Fungal activity causes significant food spoilage, leading to over 30% annual food loss.
- Controlling fungal growth on surfaces is crucial for public health and food security.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of surface properties on *Aspergillus awamori* growth.
- To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of micro- and nanotopography, material type, and wettability.
- To identify surfaces with optimal antifungal and antifouling characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic immersion of aluminum (Al) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) surfaces in fungal spore suspensions.
- Measurement of fungal biomass growth under dynamic conditions.
- Evaluation of antifungal properties on agar plates using *A. awamori* spore suspensions.
Main Results:
- Superhydrophobic Al and PMMA surfaces exhibited a passive antifungal effect, reducing fungal biomass by 1.6–2.2 times.
- Superhydrophilic PMMA surfaces enhanced fungal proliferation, increasing fungal dry weight by 2.6 times.
- Superhydrophobic surfaces demonstrated antifouling and antiadhesive properties, creating an inhibition zone against *A. awamori*.
Conclusions:
- Surface superhydrophobicity significantly inhibits *Aspergillus awamori* proliferation and biofilm formation.
- Tailoring surface topography and wettability offers a promising strategy for developing passive antifungal materials.
- Superhydrophobic surfaces show potential for applications in medical equipment and food preservation to combat fungal contamination.
