Engineering Biofouling Resistant Materials Through the Systematic Adaptation of Surface Morphology

With increasing numbers of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria strains, it becomes essential that new and effective routes to minimizing bacterial infection rates are produced. Superhydrophobic materials show be in reducing the attachment due their unique wetting properties which can minimize points at initially adhere. Here, impact surface design on anti-biofouling capabilities superhydrophobic pillared arrays prepared via photolithography is investigated. By systematically varying pillar spacing, insight gained into complex nature fouling as well allowing for optimization antifouling performance. The optimal material within achieved a spacing 87.5 µm, shows over 3-log (and gt; 99.9%) reduction attachment.