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Interaction of Nanoparticles with Biofilms
Citation:
SAHLE-DEMESSIE, E. Interaction of Nanoparticles with Biofilms. Presented at 2010 ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 24, 2010.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform EPA
Description:
In this work we have studied the interaction and adsorption of engineered nanoparticles such as TiO2, ZnO, CeO2 , and carbon nanotubes with biofilms. Biofilm is an extracellular polymeric substance coating comprised of living material and it is an aggregation of bacteria, algae, fungi and protozoa enclosed in a matrix consisting of a mixture of polymeric compounds, primarily polysaccharides. A hydrogel made of polysaccharide found in agar was prepared for the coating of metal surfaces. Self-assembled monolayer polyoxyethylene containing amphiphiles on metal sheets were prepared. Hydrophobic chains 0.3 nm per EO moiety extend away from the surface. A detailed exploration of biofilm-nanoparticle matrices, i.e., adsorption, aggregation, dispersion, distribution and stability were carried out using surface sensitive analytical techniques including AFM, SEM/EDAX, and TEM. We have determined how the water chemistry affects the kinetics and thermodynamic of the adsorption of nano-particles on the biofilm. The use of ionic liquids in the making of the biofilm and how it affects the biofilm structure and properties.