Nanolayers Against Microbial Adhesion

Microorganisms could deteriorate metallic materials. Adhesion of microorganisms on solid surfaces results in formation of micro-colonies and biofilms that reduce the efficiency of equipments as well as increase the energy consumption. In order to enhance the life expectancy of different structural materials, application of amphiphilic molecules in nano-layers was considered as a strategy for reducing the corrosion through the reduction of microbial adhesion on solids.

Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) and self assembled nanolayers (SAM) of amino acid derivatives on iron and copper surfaces were studied in the presence of different, corrosion relevant microorganisms. The quality of self assembled and mono- and multimolecular LB layers and the inhibition efficiency of nanocoatings on microbial adhesion and biofilm formation were analyzed by different techniques. There were differences in the blocking activity of the amphiphiles applied either in LB or in SAM films. The hydrophobicity, the composition of amphiphilic molecules and the layer thickness have influenced the film’s repellent activity.