Biofouling is the structured accumulation of microorganisms encapsulated within a self-developed polymeric matrix that adheres to porous and nonporous surfaces in the form of biofilm. Porous nonwovens are widely utilized in applications related to health, hygiene, and indoor/outdoor filtration products and systems, because of the ability of semi-permeable nonwoven membranes to support liquid and water vapor transmission. The excellent barrier properties of meltblown nonwovens, with about 70 - 80 % porosity, are compromised by the growth of biofilms that reduce filtration efficiency and eventually the service life of meltblown filter media. In this study, an existing model for quantifying forces of interfacial adhesion between bacteria and thin films has been used to characterize the susceptibility of porous nonwovens to biofouling. Three different non-pathogenic microorganisms were chosen to assess the role of cell morphology (shape) and surface area during the process of microbial adhesion to polypropylene nonwovens, which varied in terms of their surface uniformity and porosity. Interfacial forces of bacterial adhesion are calculated from experimental values for the surface tension of the (1) bacteria and growth media, (2) nonwoven substrate and growth media, (3) nonwoven contaminated with bacteria. Water contact angle and other automated techniques are commonly used to experimentally determine the surface tension of solid surfaces and solutions, rather instead this study describes the application of the capillary-rise method to measure the surface tension of porous nonwovens with and without exposure to microorganisms. Complementary techniques for quantifying bacterial adhesion to meltblown nonwovens include bacterial cell counting and microscopy.<br/>

Application of capillary rise method to model bacterial adhesion to porous nonwovens

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.