Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to measure the force of interaction between individual cysts of Giardia lamblia (bio-colloids) and an amorphous silica surface (hydrolysed silicon nitride AFM tip). The ζ-potentials of the cysts were calculated from microelectrophoresis data, and were compared with the information obtained from AFM force measurements. The dominant long-range force of interaction between cysts and the silica surfaces was steric in origin, with the magnitude of the steric force decreasing with decreasing pH. The decay length of the steric force decreased with an increase in the ionic strength and a decrease in pH. The cysts may be compressed by the pressures applied during the force measurements, with the surface compressibility reported herein as the interfacial spring constant. An increase in the interfacial spring constant occurred with a decrease in pH; indicative of the collapse of surface macromolecules. The information gained from the measurement of the interaction between G. lamblia and this model sand-like surface may assist optimisation of water treatment processes for the removal of cysts.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
