With the increasing need for drinkable water, the push is rising to make water purification technologies more efficient. Techniques that are dependent on membranes for purification, though, are limited due to biofouling, the restriction of membrane pores from the reversible and irreversible build-up of biological material. While varying one parameter at a time with a model system has elucidated the importance of different parameters on biofouling, these experiments are limited. By not being able to see the surface of the membrane, the mechanism of how biofouling occurs still remains largely unknown. We have approached this problem by combining two techniques: traditional water flux studies and fluorescence microscopy. As this has not been done before, we worked to determine the best practices for gathering and interpreting data. This included photophysical tests to ensure the presence of the dye did not affect the fouling nature of the protein. After ensuring we had proper membrane handling and cleaning procedures, fluorescein-labeled BSA samples were prepared as a model system. Flux data in conjugation with fluorescent images of the membrane were collected to observe how fouling occurred throughout a run.<br/>

Developing best practices for combining fluorescence microscopy and water flux measurements to elucidate biofouling mechanisms

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.