Dielectrophoresis (dep) and electrowetting (ewod) as an anti-fouling process for antibacterial surfaces

Yika Tuesta, Alberto Stavros (2014) Dielectrophoresis (dep) and electrowetting (ewod) as an anti-fouling process for antibacterial surfaces. [Laurea magistrale], Università di Bologna, Corso di Studio in Materials and sensor engineering for environmental sustainability / ingegneria chimica, dei materiali e dei sensori per la sostenibilita' ambientale [LM-DM270]
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Abstract

Nowadays the medical field is struggling to decrease bacteria biofilm formation which leads to infection. Biomedical devices sterilization has not changed over a long period of time. This results in high costs for hospitals healthcare managements. The objective of this project is to investigate electric field effects and surface energy manipulation as solutions for preventing bacteria biofilm for future devices. Based on electrokinectic environments 2 different methods were tested: feasibility of electric gradient through mediums (DEP) reinforced by numerical simulations; and EWOD by the fabrication of golden interdigitated electrodes on silicon glass substrates, standard ~480 nm Teflon (PTFE) layer and polymeric gasket to contain the bacteria medium. In the first experiment quantitative analysis was carried out to achieve forces required to reject bacteria without considering dielectric environment limitations as bacteria and medium frequency dependence. In the second experiment applied voltages was characterized by droplets contact angle measurements and put to the live bacteria tests. The project resulted on promising results for DEP application due to its wide range of frequency that can be used to make a “general” bacteria rejecting; but in terms of practicality, EWOD probably have higher potential for success but more experiments are needed to verify if can prevent biofilm adhesion besides the Teflon non-adhesive properties (including limitations as Teflon breakthrough, layer sensitivity) at incubation times larger than 24 hours.

Abstract
Tipologia del documento
Tesi di laurea (Laurea magistrale)
Autore della tesi
Yika Tuesta, Alberto Stavros
Relatore della tesi
Scuola
Corso di studio
Ordinamento Cds
DM270
Parole chiave
DEP, EWOD, anti-fouling surfaces, surface energy, antibacterial, nanosystems
Data di discussione della Tesi
17 Marzo 2014
URI

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