Graphene oxide (GO) is a one-atom thick, two-dimensional sheet of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms, decorated with carboxyl, hydroxyl, and epoxide functional groups. GO nanosheets possess exceptional physical and chemical, as well as antimicrobial properties against both gram-negative and -positive bacteria. Extensive research has been performed to explore the mechanisms underlying GO’s antibacterial activity. Yet, to date, a molecular-level understanding of the interaction between bacterial cell membranes and GO is largely lacking. Understanding the interactions of GO nanosheets with bacterial cell membranes is essential for the evaluation of GO’s environmental impacts, and to advance graphene-based environmental applications. In this study, we use atomic force microscopy-based single-cell force spectroscopy (AFM-SCFS) to elucidate the interaction between single live bacterial cells and model surfaces functionalized with GO. Specifically, we quantify and compare the adhesive forces of a single bacterial cell onto model surfaces in which the spatial orientation of GO sheets (i.e., flat vs. randomly oriented) is varied. This investigation therefore provides insight into the influence of nanomaterial spatial orientation on the behavior of GO at biological interfaces.

Interaction of bacterial cells with model graphene oxide surfaces: insights from single-cell force spectroscopy

255th National Meeting (2018)

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