We have studied the interaction and adsorption of engineered nanoparticles such as TiO2, ZnO, CeO2, and carbon nanotubes with biofilms. Natural biofilm is an extracellular polymeric substance coating comprised of living material and it is an aggregation of bacteria, algae, fungi and protozoa enclosed in a matrix consisting of a mixture of polymeric compounds, primarily polysaccharides. A hydrogel made of polysaccharide found in agar was prepared for the coating of metal surfaces. Self-assembled monolayer polyoxyethylene containing amphiphiles on metal sheets were prepared. Hydrophobic chains 0.3 nm per EO moiety extends away from the surface. A detailed exploration of biofilm-nanoparticle matrices, i.e., adsorption, aggregation, dispersion, distribution and stability were carried out using surface sensitive analytical techniques including AFM, SEM/EDAX, and TEM. We have determined how the water chemistry affects the kinetics and thermodynamics of the adsorption of nanoparticles on the biofilm. Use of ionic liquids in the synthesis of biofilm and their affects on the biofilm structure and properties has also been explored.

Interaction of nanoparticles with biofilms

240th National Meeting (2010)

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