Abstract
Chemical biocides remain the most effective mitigation strategy against microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), one of the costliest and most pervasive forms of corrosion in industry. However, toxicity and environmental concerns associated with these compounds are encouraging the development of more environmentally friendly MIC inhibitors. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial effect of a novel, multi-functional organic corrosion inhibitor (OCI) compound, cetrimonium trans-4-hydroxy-cinnamate (CTA-4OHcinn). Attachment of three bacterial strains, Shewanella chilikensis, Pseudomonas balearica and Klebsiella pneumoniae was evaluated on wet-ground (120 grit finish) and pre-oxidised carbon steel surfaces (AISI 1030), in the presence and absence of the new OCI compound. Our study revealed that all strains preferentially attached to pre-oxidised surfaces as indicated by confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and standard colony forming unit (CFU) quantification assays. The inhibitor compound at 10 mM demonstrated 100% reduction in S. chilikensis attachment independent of initial surface condition, while the other two strains were reduced by at least 99.7% of the original viable cell number. Our results demonstrate that CTA-4OHcinn is biocidal active and has promise as a multifunctional, environmentally sound MIC inhibitor for industrial applications.
Highlights
Chemical biocides remain the most effective mitigation strategy against microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), one of the costliest and most pervasive forms of corrosion in industry
Over 4.16 × 1 06 colony forming unit (CFU) were measured for S. chilikensis on the oxidised surface, while 1.11 × 1 06 CFU of S. chilikensis were obtained from the wet-ground surface
A similar trend was observed for P. balearica (5.36 × 106 CFUs for wet ground surface compared with 6.33 × 105 CFUs)
Summary
Chemical biocides remain the most effective mitigation strategy against microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), one of the costliest and most pervasive forms of corrosion in industry. We evaluated the antimicrobial effect of a novel, multi-functional organic corrosion inhibitor (OCI) compound, cetrimonium trans-4-hydroxy-cinnamate (CTA-4OHcinn). The difficulty in controlling MIC and biofouling is due in part to the flexibility and ubiquity of microorganisms in almost all environments on Earth[11,12,13] Such widespread success is owed to the ability of biofilms to provide nutrients, protection and facilitate interspecies interactions, often giving rise to enhanced chemical and physical tolerance of microbial populations. Attachment of planktonic cells is the first reversible stage of biofilm development, eventually resulting in adhesion; the permanent irreversible association of a cell with the surface. These initial interactions with the surface are complex, specific and active processes, and there are still gaps in understanding of these interactions. Based on enhanced functional range and increased environmental sensitivity, multifunctional OCIs show great promise for the future of biocides and corrosion inhibition[24]
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