Modelling the combined effect of surface roughness and topography on bacterial attachment

Bacterial attachment is a complex process affected by flow conditions, imparted stresses, and the surface properties structure of both supporting material cell. Experiments on initial cells bacterium Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii), an important early coloniser dental plaque, to samples stainless steel (SS) have been reported in this work. The primary aim motivating study was establish what affect, if any, roughness topology SS would S. gordonii. This were chosen virtue their relevance implants implant infections. Prior bacterial attachment, surfaces become conditioned interfacing environment (salivary pellicle from oral cavity for instance). For reason, cell pre-coated with saliva also studied. By implementing Extended Derjaguin Landau Verwey Overbeek (XDLVO) theory coupled convection-diffusion-reaction equations information, computational model developed help better understand physics adhesion. Surface modelled reconstructing topography using statistical parameters derived atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. Using model, effects patterns examined quantitatively static flowing fluid environments. results shown that rougher (within sub-microscale) generally increase conditions which agrees experimental Under dynamics (CFD) simulations predicted reduced convection-diffusion inside channel act decrease attachment. When combined effects, topographies discussed within work produced slight overall suggest attachment-preventing dominate over adhesion-favourable sub-microscale roughness; hence, producing net reduction adhered cells. qualitatively agreed observations here matched low rates measurement error.