Switchable charged surfaces to regulate bacterial adhesion

Pranzetti, Alice (2014). Switchable charged surfaces to regulate bacterial adhesion. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Pranzetti14PhD.pdf
PDF
Download (9MB)

Abstract

The studies of biointerfaces, interfaces between synthetic materials and biological systems, such as bacteria, represent, by definition, a highly interdisciplinary field spanning across the disciplines of physics, materials science, engineering, chemistry, biology, bioinformatics and medicine. The main approach in biointerfacial science involves the preparation and characterisation of functional surfaces for specific interactions with bio-systems, and studies of the molecular and kinetic processes occurring at such interfaces, ranging from small molecules and biomolecular interactions, to cell and bacteria adhesion. Advanced material engineering techniques, such as self-assembly can structure surfaces that allow dynamic tuning of their properties (i.e. wettability and superficial charge). Recently, switchable surfaces able to undergo conformational switching in response to an applied external stimulus were shown to be suitable platforms for controlling cellular responses.
In this context, the design and fabrication of a two-component electrical switchable SAM able to undergo conformational reorientation upon an applied electrical stimulus will be described. This dynamic platform will be used for the first time to gain new insights on the non-specific bacterial adhesion to surfaces in real-time.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):