| AVS 66th International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| Biomaterial Interfaces Division | Wednesday Sessions |
| Session BI+AS-WeM |
| Session: | Microbes and Fouling at Surfaces |
| Presenter: | Caitlin Howell, University of Maine |
| Authors: | K. Marquis, University of Maine B. Chasse, University of Maine C. Howell, University of Maine |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
Nearly all methods of introducing bioactive compounds to the surface of a substrate rely on application from above or fail over time due to depletion. In this work, we use a bio-inspired approach to deliver target molecules to an interface from below, making use of both theoretical modeling and experimental validation to rationally design customizable patterns and gradients. Mimicking the vascular systems of living organisms, networks of empty 3D-printed channels are filled with liquid containing the compound of interest, which flows through the vascular network and diffuses through the polymer, eventually reaching the substrate surface. In proof-of-principle experiments using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis as model organisms, we demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally that the concentration of antibiotic and duration over which it is delivered to the surface can be controlled by varying the location of the vascular channels and concentration of the antibiotic solution inside. The result is a well-defined and predictable patterned response from the bacteria growing on the surface, a first step toward developing new types of adaptive antifouling surfaces and cell culture tools.