Magneto-mechanically actuated microstructures to efficiently prevent bacterial biofilm formation
Résumé
Bioflm colonisation of surfaces is of critical importance in various areas ranging from indwelling
medical devices to industrial setups. Of particular importance is the reduced susceptibility of
bacteria embedded in a bioflm to existing antimicrobial agents. In this paper, we demonstrate that
remotely actuated magnetic cantilevers grafted on a substrate act efciently in preventing bacterial
bioflm formation. When exposed to an alternating magnetic feld, the fexible magnetic cantilevers
vertically defect from their initial position periodically, with an extremely low frequency (0.16 Hz).
The cantilevers’ beating prevents the initial stage of bacterial adhesion to the substrate surface and
the subsequent bioflm growth. Our experimental data on E. coli liquid cultures demonstrate up to a
70% reduction in bioflm formation. A theoretical model has been developed to predict the amplitude
of the cantilevers vertical defection. Our results demonstrate proof-of-concept for a device that can
magneto-mechanically prevent the frst stage in bacterial bioflm formation, acting as on-demand
fouling release active surfaces.