A novel technique to prevent bacterial fouling, using imposed surface potential

Kerr, A., Hodgkiess, T., Cowling, M.J., Beveridge, C.M., Smith, M.J. and Parr, A.C.S. (1998) A novel technique to prevent bacterial fouling, using imposed surface potential. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 85(6), pp. 1067-1072. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1998.tb05272.x)

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Abstract

The effect of modest imposed surface potentials on the adhesion of marine bacteria to an electrically conducting layer deposited on silica glass is recorded. A positive shift increased bacterial settlement. However, a negative shift in potential was extremely beneficial in reducing numbers of adhered bacteria. An applied surface potential of − 66 mV SCE resulted in the bacterial population decreasing to approximately 12% of that on the uncharged reference sample. There was no further significant decrease in the adhered bacterial population when the magnitude of the negative potential was increased. The potential was maintained with very little current flow (less than 0·25 nA mm−2). The results were not due to any effect of the material used and therefore the technique could be useful for reducing bacterial fouling in many situations, including medical applications.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Smith, Dr Margaret and Cowling, Professor Michael and Hodgkiess, Dr Trevor
Authors: Kerr, A., Hodgkiess, T., Cowling, M.J., Beveridge, C.M., Smith, M.J., and Parr, A.C.S.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
Journal Name:Journal of Applied Microbiology
Publisher:Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:1364-5072
ISSN (Online):1365-2672

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