Laboratory studies on biomachining of copper using Staphylococcus sp.

Abstract

The possibility of using bacteria to drill metallic surfaces has been demonstrated using Staphylococcus sp., a facultative anaerobic bacterium, isolated from corroded copper piping. The experiment involved exposure of copper coupons (25 mm × 15 mm × 3 mm) to a culture of Staphylococcus sp. for a maximum period of 7 days. Coupons exposed to sterile bacterial growth medium were used as controls. Exposed coupons were removed intermittently and observed microscopically for the extent of drilling. The total pit area and volume on these coupons were determined using image analysis. The results showed that both the biomachined area and volume increased with the duration of coupon exposure. In the drilling experiment, a copper thin film 2 μm thick was perforated by this bacterium within a period of 7 days. In conclusion, the results suggested that bacteria can be used as a tool for machining metallic surfaces.

Keywords:

• biomachining
• Staphylococcus sp.
• biocorrosion
• copper corrosion
• masking experiment

Acknowledgements

The authors KRS and KN acknowledge financial assistance in the form of a Center of Excellence Fellowship during the study period.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kurissery R. Sreekumari†

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Lakehead University, Orillia Campus, 1 Colborne St W. Orillia, ON, Canada L3V7X5