METHODS OF PREVENTING BIOFILMS FORMATION ON THE SURFACES OF POLYMER MATERIALS

Abstract

One of the harmful factors of the interaction of microorganisms with the technosphere is the formation of biofilms on the surface of various products. Steady colonies of bacteria ensure a stable contamination of the handling medium of the product, and their release is a cause of biodestructive processes in materials. In many cases, single or even regular antimicrobial treatment does not lead to complete suppression of colony formation. Therefore, today the most demanded methods of preventing biofilms formation involve the creation of materials that are resistant to colonization by bacteria. Since bacteria cells directly interact with the surface of the material, it is the surface that should have antibacterial properties. In the review, various methods of preventing the formation of biofilms by the example of polymeric materials are considered. The main attention is paid to the methods of creating antibacterial surfaces, which in various ways prevent the formation of biofilms. In accordance with the world practice, all antibacterial surfaces are divided into four types: releasing, contact-active, repelling and self-polishing. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of antibacterial surfaces, their existing limitations in use and prospects for further development are noted. Information on the compatibility of individual types of surfaces is also noted in the literature.

Keywords

• bacteria
• biofilms
• antibacterial surfaces
• biocide releasing
• contact-active surfaces
• bacterial repelling
• self-polishing surfaces