Adhesion and removal kinetics of Bacillus cereus biofilms on Ni-PTFE modified stainless steel |
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Authors: | Kang Huang Lynne A. McLandsborough |
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Affiliation: | Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA |
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Abstract: | Biofilm control remains a challenge to food safety. A well-studied non-fouling coating involves codeposition of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) during electroless plating. This coating has been reported to reduce foulant build-up during pasteurization, but opportunities remain in demonstrating its efficacy in inhibiting biofilm formation. Herein, the initial adhesion, biofilm formation, and removal kinetics of Bacillus cereus on Ni-PTFE-modified stainless steel (SS) are characterized. Coatings lowered the surface energy of SS and reduced biofilm formation by > 2 log CFU cm?2. Characterization of the kinetics of biofilm removal during cleaning demonstrated improved cleanability on the Ni-PTFE coated steel. There was no evidence of biofilm after cleaning by either solution on the Ni-PTFE coated steel, whereas more than 3 log and 1 log CFU cm?2 of bacteria remained on the native steel after cleaning with water and an alkaline cleaner, respectively. This work demonstrates the potential application of Ni-PTFE non-fouling coatings on SS to improve food safety by reducing biofilm formation and improving the cleaning efficiency of food processing equipment. |
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Keywords: | Nickel polytetrafluoroethylene (Ni-PTFE) non-fouling stainless steel biofilm Bacillus cereus fouling release coatings biofouling |
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