Biofouling of stainless steel surfaces by four common pathogens: the effects of glucose concentration, temperature and surface roughness

Abstract

There is a wide range of factors affecting bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. However, in both food processing and medical settings, it is very hard to obtain suitably controlled conditions so that the factors that reduce surface colonisation and biofouling can be studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glucose concentration, temperature and stainless steel (SS) surface roughness on biofouling by four common pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and L. monocytogenes). Among the tested variables, the untreated SS surface (3C) was shown to be fouled more than 3D polished, brushed or electropolished SS surfaces. Although an array of parameters influenced biofouling, the most promising control measure was the influence of low temperature (4 °C) that reduced biofouling even in the case of the psychrophilic Listeria monocytogenes. The study findings could significantly contribute to the prevention of SS surface contamination and consequential biofouling by food and healthcare associated pathogens.

Keywords:

• Biofouling
• stainless steel surface
• glucose concentration
• temperature

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr Barbara Jeršek (Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia) for providing the L. monocytogenes strain.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.