Biofilm Formation of Escherichia coli on Hydrophobic Steel Surface Provided by Laser-Texturing

Abstract

Lozenge-patterned (LP) surface obtained with laser texturing can reduce the risk of infection by preventing/delaying the biofilm formation of Escherichia coli. To investigate this aspect, the biofilm formation ability of E. coli on both LP and untreated surfaces of 630 stainless steel was examined over 48 h. Biofilm on the coupons was analyzed for bacterial enumeration and total carbohydrates concentration, and also was observed using scanning electron microscopy. The surface modification by texturing caused a 6 h delay in the attachment of E. coli, and an approximately 99% decrease in the number of adhered bacteria was determined at the end. However, it was determined that E. coli produced more extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) (p<0.01) to attach to the LP surface and formed a multi-layered biofilm. In conclusion, LP surface can be recommended regarding the bacterial count and the delay in attachment, but the increased amount of EPS limits its use.