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Controlling bacterial growth and inactivation using thin film-based surface acoustic waves
Hui Ling Ong1, Bruna Martins Dell' Agnese2, Yunhong Jiang2
1Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK. luojt@szu.edu.cn.
Lab on a Chip
|August 15, 2024
Summary
Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) can control bacterial growth. High SAW power inactivates bacteria, while combining SAWs with ZnO tetrapods enhances antimicrobial effects against E. coli and S. aureus.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bacterial film formation on surfaces causes medical device contamination.
- Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Novel therapies are needed to control pathogenic bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) for controlling bacterial growth and inactivation.
- To evaluate the combined antimicrobial effects of SAWs and ZnO micro/nanostructures.
- To explore the influence of SAW power on bacterial behavior.
Main Methods:
- Utilized piezoelectric thin film-based SAW devices on silicon substrates.
- Assessed the effects of varying SAW powers on E. coli and S. aureus growth.
- Investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of ZnO tetrapods alone and in combination with SAWs.
Main Results:
- SAW power below a threshold enhanced bacterial growth.
- Increased SAW power led to bacterial inactivation.
- Combining SAWs with ZnO tetrapods significantly inhibited or inactivated both E. coli and S. aureus.
Conclusions:
- SAWs offer a promising active method for antimicrobial treatment.
- ZnO tetrapods enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of SAWs.
- The combined approach shows potential for controlling bacterial contamination on surfaces.
