OPIHAS demonstrates the effect of local topography for biofilm prevention via cell division of Staphylococcus
This work assesses the impact of local topography on the growth and division of bacterial micro-colonies of Staphylococcus spp. The use of topographic cues to influence early stages of biofilm formation has been well-explored and this work looks to demonstrate how topological memory at the single-cell level can be exploited to influence the developing architecture of micro-colonies via experimental evidence.
The aim of the study was to assess the average number of surface anchoring points over nanopatterned surfaces formed by vertically aligned silicon nanowire arrays (SiNWs) vs standardised ‘flat’ surfaces. These SiNWs can be reliably produced on a commercial scale, providing an excellent platform to investigate the effect of topography on the early stages of Staphylococcus spp. colonisation.
The work explores both the method and actions involved within this process, whilst offering some grounds for further exploration of the ideas evidenced. The insights from this work could open new avenues towards designed technologies for biofilm engineering and prevention, particularly those based on surface topography interventions. The results of the study were a surface that is not intrinsically antimicrobial, yet delivered a bacteriostatic effect via a significant disruption of the local morphology of micro-colonies.
The full paper is available to read here.