The production of surfaces of defined topography and chemistry for microbial retention studies, using ion beam sputtering technology

Abstract

Microbial cells retained in surface defects on an inert substratum may pose problems in cross-contamination (food contact surfaces), and provide a focus for infection (medical devices). Although the type and degree of substratum surface roughness affects the retention of microorganisms on a surface, few studies have investigated this phenomenon using well-characterised substrata. A range of surfaces with features of regular and defined dimension on the micron and submicron scale has been produced. Various filters/grids of known pore size acted directly as templates, and a range of masks were placed upon smooth silicon wafers. Titanium was applied to the surfaces via magnetron thin film deposition, and the surfaces were visualised and characterised using atomic force microscopy, in preparation for microbial retention studies.