The use of block copolymers to inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on hydrophobic surfaces in marine habitats

Abstract

Inhibition of adhesion of marine bacterial cultures to polystyrene surfaces treated with tri-block copolymers of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide ('Synperonic' PE series) ranged from 21 to 100% depending on the properties of the copolymer and of the test organism. After 4 h submergence in natural marine habitats, copolymer treatment resulted in 70-100% reduction in colonisation. After 5d, the inhibitory activity was maintained in terms of colonisation by bacterial aggregates and eukaryotes, but single bacteria were present in equivalent numbers on both treated and untreated surfaces. After 2 months, no difference in biofouling between treated and untreated substrata could be detected. Reasons for the lack of a persistent inhibitory effect of the copolymer are considered.

Significance of bacterial surface-active compounds in interaction of bacteria with interfaces.

“…These surfactants showed an excellent short-term effectiveness, whereas in long-term tests the effect was poor. This was explained by leaching of the surfactant, abrasion by sand, interference with natural polymers, the existence of specific bacterial populations able to overcome the copolymer barrier, and biodegradation of the surfactant (18).…”

Attachment of bacteria to model solid surfaces: oligo(ethylene glycol) surfaces inhibit bacterial attachment

“…Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), also referred to as poly(ethylene oxide), has been explored as foulingresistant material [2][3][4]. Investigators have found that bacteria do not attach well to surfaces composed of PEG-modified polymers [3,4].…”

“…Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), also referred to as poly(ethylene oxide), has been explored as foulingresistant material [2][3][4]. Investigators have found that bacteria do not attach well to surfaces composed of PEG-modified polymers [3,4]. Due to the method of preparation of the surfaces used in these initial studies, however, chemical homogeneity of the PEG exposed at the interface often could not be assured, thus the specific contribution of the PEG to the fouling-resistant properties could not be adequately assessed.…”

Effects of substratum wettability and molecular topography on the initial adhesion of bacteria to chemically defined substrataab

“…Bacterial attachment can be considerably reduced by long-chain polymers adsorbed to surfaces, such as proteins (Fletcher & Marshall, 1982) and block copolymers (Blainey & Marshall, 1991) or alkanethiol SAMs (Ista et al, 1996) containing polyethylene oxide. Chain length and flexibility of the polymers are presumably important variables determining such effects.…”