Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #150625
Title: MULTIPLE IMAGING TECHNIQUES DEMONSTRATE THE MANIPULATION OF SURFACES TO REDUCE BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION AND CORROSION

Author
item Arnold, Judy
item Boothe, Dorothy
item SUZUKI, OSAMU - JGC CORP, JAPAN
item BAILEY, GEORGE - EPA, ATHENS, GA

Submitted to: Applied Physics International Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/3/2003
Publication Date: 10/14/2003
Citation: Arnold, J.W., Boothe, D.D., Suzuki, O., Bailey, G.W. 2003. Multiple imaging techniques demonstrate the manipulation of surfaces to reduce bacterial contamination and corrosion. Applied Physics International Meeting. p. 292.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Surface imaging techniques are combined to determine appropriate manipulation of technologically important surfaces for commercial applications. Stainless steel surfaces were engineered to reduce bacterial contamination, biofilm formation, and corrosion during product processing. The complementarity of microscopy methods, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) with spectrophotometry assessed and correlated form and function of surface modifications. All samples were examined by visual inspection and electron probe microanalysis for surface characteristics and elemental composition, respectively. Natural bacterial populations collected from the processing environment were assessed for their affinity to attach to sample surfaces. Aliquots of bacterial suspensions were diluted in broth and measured by spectrophotometry. Stainless steel disks (1-cm diameter) were added, and the cultures were grown to sufficient density to form monolayers of bacterial cells on control surfaces. The effects of microstructure with changes in manufacture were compared with the phenomena of bacterial interactions at surfaces and material interfaces. The disks for each surface treatment analyzed separately by AFM were cut from the same sheets used for SEM. Disks were examined directly. Relative differences in the surface morphology of stainless steel finishes, including fractal dimensions, Z ranges, roughness, and other measurements corresponded by treatment with the differences in reduction of bacterial counts shown by SEM. A model of wet-processing conditions tested the effects of corrosive treatment on bacterial attachment. The effects of rouging, corrosion, and biofouling are costly industrial problems. Bacterial attachment affected the chemical processes of corrosive treatment at surfaces. The surface resistance achieved by electropolishing reduced bacterial numbers significantly from the other methods tested. In addition, the simplicity of the cleaning process and reduction in chemical use makes it attractive for industrial applications. The design of appropriate materials for the reduction of contamination during food processing necessitates an understanding of the forces of bacterial attachment and corrosion. Final selection of surface finishes is influenced by function and economy