Sub-micropatterns affect the formation of bacterial assemblages on metal surfaces

CAROLINA DIAZ; PATRICIA L. SCHILARDI; ROBERTO C. SALVAREZZA; MÓNICA FERNÁNDEZ LORENZO DE MELE

Amsterdan, The Netherlands

Congreso; 8th World Biomaterials Congress; 2008

The International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering (IUSBSE), European Society for Biomaterials (ESB), Biomaterials Network

At the early stages of biofilm development on metal surfaces a reversible adhesion of pioneer bacteria takes place1. Bacteria can remain localized, move out to colonize larger areas or initiate the formation of compact three dimensional (3D) colonies to await more suitable conditions2. Bacterial spreading seem to be closely related to the size of the surface micro-features.  On this respect, the investigations made with Pseudomonas fluorescens (P. fluorescens) are particularly interesting in relation to biomaterials because they are implicated in urinary tract and bloodstream infections as well as procedure-related infections in hospitalized patients3. The aim of this work is to evaluate the role of different structural factors of metal surfaces on the formation of bacterial assemblages of attached bacteria.