Adsorption of flavobacterium breve and pseudomonas fluorescens p17 on different metals: Electrochemical polarization effect

The electrochemical polarization effect on early adsorption of Flavobacterium breve and Pseudomonas fluorescens P17 to platinum, titanium, stainless steel, copper, aluminum alloy and mild steel was studied. A well‐defined peak characterized the bacterial adsorption dependence on externally applied potential. Maximal adsorption occurred in the potential range of ‐0.5 to 0.5 V (SCE) for all tested metals. A shift of applied potential towards both a positive and a negative direction from the maximal adsorption potential (Emax,ad) was accompanied by a gradual decrease in bacterial adsorption. The extent of bacterial adsorption strongly depended on the nature of the metallic substratum and decreased accordingly as follows: platinum > titanium > stainless steel > aluminum alloy > carbon steel > copper. Adsorption on all tested metals was approximately two orders of magnitude higher with the relatively more hydrophobic F. breve compared to the less hydrophobic P. fluorescens P17. The effect of electrochemical polarization on the initial stages of bacterial adsorption onto metallic substrata is further discussed.