Biofilms, which are very difficult to eradicate from water treatment, distribution and reuse systems, can cause a variety of safety, aesthetic and corrosion problems. This underscores the need for effective and sustainable biofilm-eradication technologies. Here, we covalently loaded natural antimicrobial nanoparticles (phages) with optimized orientation onto Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>-based magnetic nanocomposites. Compared with free phage treatments, immobilization mitigates phage dilution by the medium to maintain high phage concentrations locally, and ensures that phage tail fibers are exposed to the hosts for easier infection. Pushed by a weak magnetic field, phage-nanocomposite conjugates (PNCs) targeted the dominant species at the base of the biofilm and de-anchored it within six hours. This combined experimental and computational study revealed that smaller PNCs enhanced biofilm bottom clearance with significant horizontal dispersion, while larger PNCs exerted more significant vertical biofilm disruption. Our study highlights the role of PNC size on biofilm eradication patterns and advances the scientific basis for nanotechnology-enhanced, phage-based strategies for biofilm control. Potential applications include membrane biofouling control and biocorrosion mitigation.

Nexus of natural and engineered nanomaterial: Biofilm eradication using magnetic phage-nanocomposite conjugates

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.