Engineering Biofouling Resistant Materials Through the Systematic Adaptation of Surface Morphology

Abstract

With increasing numbers of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria strains, it becomes essential that new and effective routes to minimizing bacterial infection rates are produced. Superhydrophobic materials show to be effective in reducing the attachment of bacteria due to their unique wetting properties which can minimize the points at which bacteria can initially adhere. Here, the impact of surface design on the anti-biofouling capabilities of superhydrophobic pillared arrays prepared via photolithography is investigated. By systematically varying pillar spacing, insight is gained into the complex nature of superhydrophobic fouling as well as allowing for optimization of the antifouling performance. The optimal material within is achieved at a pillar spacing of 87.5 µm, which shows over a 3-log (and gt; 99.9%) reduction in bacterial attachment.