Novel Materials for Biofilm Reactors and their Characterization

Abstract

The application of adherently growing microorganisms for biotechnological production processes is established, but it is still a niche technology with only a small economic impact. However, novel approaches are under development for new types of biofilm reactors. In this context, increasingly more microstructured metal surfaces are being investigated, and they show positive effects on the bacterial growth and the biofilm establishment. However, for comparison of the data, the different surface materials have to correspond in their different characteristics, such as wettability and chemical composition. Also, new materials, such as plastic composite supports, were developed. To understand the interaction between these new materials and the biofilm-producing microorganisms, different surface science methods have to be applied to reveal a detailed knowledge of the surface characteristics. In conclusion, microstructured surfaces show a high potential for enhanced biofilm growth, probably accompanied by an enhanced productivity of the microorganisms.

Removing biofilms from stainless steel without changing surface properties relevant for bacterial attachment

“…To create a real biofilm, the cultivation of microorganisms was done in an especially constructed flow cell with the dimensions 28  8  75 mm 3 (width  height  length) and a reactor volume of 1.76 ml. The flow cell possesses an indentation that can house a 20  10  2 mm 3 (length  width  height) substrate sample where the biofilm is grown on.…”

“…The surface properties of these materials may influence the growth of the biofilm and its productivity in a positive or negative way. 3 Because of these effects of the surface properties on the interaction with the bacteria and thus the biofilm productivity, detailed studies on this relationship are mandatory. Because technical substrates vary in their properties, in particular when they are modified by topographic structures or chemical functionalization, systematic studies should be performed on the same substrate.…”

Enhanced Hydrophilic and Electrophilic Properties of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Biofilm Carrier

“…In particular, the microbial communities in biofilms are diverse, which allow degrading a wide range of organic pollutants [6]. Meanwhile, the attachment and formation of biofilms largely depend on the surface properties of the biofilm carrier, including the physical/chemical properties of the carrier surface, the charge properties of the carrier surface, and the surface roughness of the carrier and so on [7][8][9][10][11][12]. In recent studies, the hydrophilicity and electronegativity of the carrier surface play an important role in the formation and treatment efficiency of biofilms [13][14][15].…”

Determination of the Amount of Carbohydrates Adsorbed on Solid Substrates

“…Plaque itself may then encourage the occurrence of stomatitis and diseases in gingival tissues . For productive biofilms, as used in biofilm reactors for production or waste water treatment, carbohydrates may mediate the attachment of bacteria and the growth of the biofilm. Thus, analysis of the adsorption of carbohydrates is of great importance, for example for the development of dental materials or biofilm reactors.…”