Fabrication of biomimetically patterned surfaces and their application to probing plant-bacteria interactions

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2014 Aug 13;6(15):12467-78. doi: 10.1021/am502384q. Epub 2014 Aug 4.

Abstract

We have developed a two-step replica molding method for rapid fabrication of biomimetically patterned plant surfaces (BPS) using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-BPS) and agarose (AGAR-BPS). Beyond providing multiple identical specimens that faithfully reproduce leaf surface microstructure, this approach also offers unique chemical, physical, and biological features. PDMS-BPS provide good structural durability for SEM examination, have surface wettability comparable to plant surfaces for coating development, and allow for real-time monitoring of biosynthesis through incorporation into microfluidic devices. AGAR-BPS are compatible with bacterial growth, recovery, and quantification, and enable investigation of the effects of surface topography on spatially varying survival and inactivation of Escherichia coli cells during biocide treatment. Further development and application of these biomimetically patterned surfaces to study (and possibly modify) other aspects of plant-bacteria interactions can provide insight into controlling pathogen contamination in a wide range of applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetics / methods*
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes / pharmacology
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Escherichia coli / growth & development
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / physiology*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Microbial Viability
  • Microscopy
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plant Leaves / drug effects
  • Pressure
  • Sepharose / chemistry
  • Spinacia oleracea / drug effects
  • Spinacia oleracea / microbiology*
  • Wettability

Substances

  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • baysilon
  • Sepharose