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\begin{document}

\title{Early biofilm and streamer formation is mediated by wall shear stress
and surface wettability: a multifactorial microfluidic study}



\author[1]{Alexander  Lai Man Chun }%
\author[2]{Ali Mosayyebi}%
\author[1]{Arthur Butt}%
\author[3]{Dario Carugo}%
\author[1]{Maria Salta}%
\affil[1]{University of Portsmouth Faculty of Science}%
\affil[2]{University of Southampton Faculty of Engineering and the Environment}%
\affil[3]{University College London}%


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  \date{May 24, 2024}


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\begin{abstract}
Biofilms are intricate communities of microorganisms encapsulated within
a self-produced matrix of extra-polymeric substances (EPS), creating
complex three-dimensional structures allowing for liquid and nutrient
transport through them. These aggregations offer constituent
microorganisms enhanced protection from environmental stimuli - like
fluid flow - and are also associated with higher resistance to
antimicrobial compounds, providing a persistent cause of concern in
numerous sectors like the marine (biofouling, aquaculture), medical
(infections, antimicrobial resistance), dentistry (plaque on teeth),
food safety, as well as causing energy loss and corrosion. Recent
studies have demonstrated that biofilms interact with microplastics,
often influencing their pathway to higher trophic levels. Previous
research has shown that initial bacterial attachment is affected by
surface properties. Using a microfluidic flow cell, we have investigated
the relationship between both wall shear stress (\selectlanguage{greek}τ\selectlanguage{english}w) and surface
properties (surface wettability) upon biofilm formation of two species
(Cobetia marina and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). We investigated biofilm
development on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) membranes, Permanox\selectlanguage{ngerman}®
slides, and glass slides, using nucleic acid staining and end-point
confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The results show that flow
conditions affect biomass, maximum thickness, and surface area of
biofilms, with higher \selectlanguage{greek}τ\selectlanguage{english}w (5.6 Pa) resulting in thinner biofilms than
lower \selectlanguage{greek}τ\selectlanguage{english}w (0.2 Pa). In addition, we observed differences in biofilm
development across the surfaces tested, with LDPE typically
demonstrating more overall biofilm in comparison to Permanox\selectlanguage{ngerman}® and glass.
Moreover, we demonstrate the formation of biofilm streamers under
laminar flow conditions within straight micro-channels.%
\end{abstract}\selectlanguage{ngerman}%



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