Effects of surface properties on biofilm formation and the related applications

Abstract:

Biofilm is a predominant lifestyle for microbes, in which microbial communities adhere to surfaces and are embedded in an extracellular matrix. Regulating the biofilm formation process on surfaces to meet practical demands is of great importance. Herein, we introduced the mechanism of biofilm formation on surfaces along with its key factors. The effects of surface properties, including surface charge, wettability, roughness, topographic patterns, and functional chemical modifications, on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation were summarized in detail. Finally, we reviewed the research progress in material preparation for inhibiting or enhancing biofilm formation according to different application scenarios.