Clinically relevant microorganisms threaten patient's health often through biofilm formation on polymeric medical devices and implants. Poly (methyl methacrylate) is a commonly used polymer in medical implants and dental devices. In this study, biofilm characteristics of model microorganisms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans, were investigated at molecular level on 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) PMMA substrates to understand the influence of surface structures on biofilm formation and also to demonstrate the discrimination of microorganisms according to their metabolic activities by utilizing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). It was found that the fibrous 3D structure enhanced the assembly of microorganisms and enriched the biofilm structure while smooth polymeric surface decreased the biofilm formation rate and variety of biofilm content. Among the studied microorganisms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans had a higher tendency to form biofilm on both 2D and 3D PMMA substrates. Although Staphlylococcus epidermidis showed slow adaption on PMMA surfaces, the 3D porous surfaces increased its biofilm formation rate significantly compared to 2D surface.
Keywords: Bacteria; Biofilm formation; Poly (methyl methacrylate); SERS; Yeast.
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