Quantifying Bacterial Adhesion to Polymeric Membranes By Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy

Biofouling constitutes a major technical problem in membrane-based processes for water treatment. The permeate flux, selectivity and useful life of the membrane deteriorate as the biofilm develops. Understanding bacterial adhesion, the crucial first step in biofilm formation, is essential for the formulation of biofouling-resistant membranes. In this study, we use AFM-based single-cell force spectroscopy to measure the adhesion force of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens on polymeric ultrafiltration membrane surfaces. Our investigation examines the effects of membrane and solution chemistry, and cell-polymeric membrane contact time, on the adhesion of single bacterial cells. This study yields insight into the formulation of biofouling-resistant membranes for water treatment, as well a better understanding of the interaction between bacterial surface structures mediating adhesion to the membrane surface.