Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Ppublish 4 citations
PubMed: 38950150 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00387
Functional Surfaces for Passive Fungal Proliferation Control: Effect of Surface Micro- and Nanotopography, Material, and Wetting Properties.
ACS Appl Bio Mater 7(7):4510-4518
Authors: Vasiliki Tselepi, Panagiotis Sarkiris, Dimitrios Nioras, Erminta Tsouko, Dimitrios Sarris, Evangelos Gogolides, Kosmas Ellinas
Affiliations
- Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials and Nanotechnology, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, Leoforos Dimokratias 66, Myrina 81400, Lemnos, Greece.
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology NCSR "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi 15341, Attiki, Greece.
- Laboratory of Physico-Chemical and Biotechnological Valorization of Food Byproducts, Department of Food Science & Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, Leoforos Dimokratias 66, Myrina 81400, Lemnos, Greece.
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave. 11635 Athens, Greece.
Abstract
Fungal proliferation can lead to adverse effects for human health, due to the production of pathogenic and allergenic toxins and also through the creation of fungal biofilms on sensitive surfaces (i.e., medical equipment). On top of that, food spoilage from fungal activity is a major issue, with food losses exceeding 30% annually. In this study, the effect of the surface micro- and nanotopography, material (aluminum, Al, and poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA), and wettability against is investigated. The fungal activity is monitored using dynamic conditions by immersing the surfaces inside fungal spore-containing suspensions and measuring the fungal biomass growth, while the surfaces with the optimum antifungal properties are also evaluated by placing them near spore suspensions of on agar plates. Al- and PMMA-based superhydrophobic surfaces demonstrate a passive-like antifungal profile, and the fungal growth is significantly reduced (1.6-2.2 times lower biomass). On the other hand, superhydrophilic PMMA surfaces enhance fungal proliferation, resulting in a 2.6 times higher fungal total dry weight. In addition, superhydrophobic surfaces of both materials exhibit antifouling and antiadhesive properties, whereas both superhydrophobic surfaces also create an "inhibition" zone against the growth of when tested on agar plates.
MeSH
Growth, Suspensions, Agar, Biomass, Biocompatible Materials, Food, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Spores