Microbial attachment to material surfaces is a complex phenomenon, affected by surface chemistry, charge, topography and strain characteristics. Despite the major problems associated with device-associated infection, infectious disease transmission (within healthcare environments) and hospital acquired infections (HAIs), many aspects of microbial surface attachment are not well understood. This talk will highlight our recent experimental research on bacterial cell attachment to material surfaces, and the role that topography can play in directing attachment rates and biofilm growth, in 3 different projects; (1) Microbial attachment to superhydrophobic (Cassie-Baxter) micro-post arrays (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans); (2) Bacterial growth along surface microcracks in silicone elastomers (P. aeruginosa); and (3) Bacterial biofilm growth directed by surface micro-channel topographies (Bacillus subtilis, P. aeruginosa). Further, we can ask to what extent can we model microbial cells as colloidal particles, considering these surface topography interactions? In addition to a Random Sequential Adsorption (RSA) model, we have developed an ‘agent-based’ gaming simulation software (Unity), to simulate bacterial cells settling and growing on surfaces with various topographies (grooves, walls, holes, etc), and with independent tunability of intercellular forces, cell-material interaction forces, regeneration rate, and randomized motion.

Microbes as colloids: Simulating interactions with surface topographies

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ACS Spring 2023

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