Outs of Microbial Adhesion

Studies are required on effective removal of biofilms without damaging the membrane. Additional work needs to be done to find out what happens to the fouling resistance of chemically modihed membranes over the long term (i.e., after initial biofilm formation). Membrane resistance to humic acids is another area for further study. Furthemore, the molecular tools needed for exploring the biochemical details of the microbial adhesion process to membranes are now available. 

The field is introduced in the first chapter, which points out the complexity of the adhesion process involving multiple adhesins on a single microbe and their respective target receptors on host cells, and discusses the possibility of controlling bacterial infections via preventing the adhesion or invasion stages of microbial pathogenesis. The latter issue touches on a vision of an anti-adhesive therapy, which in our opinion receives some validation on the basis of the contributions collected herein. 

This set of experiments points out three distinct possibilities associated with the growth of microorganism on the surface of glass (1) Direct attack of the surface and/or subsurface by the microorganisms which can be differentiated from other observable effects (2) mechanical disruption by microbial adhesion phenomena and (3) constant wetting of the surface by water held in place by the microbial biofilm. 

Suggested End Uses When a product contains water, or is ultimately applied by dispersion in water, it is subject to attack by bacteria unless a functional preservative is used at the proper concentration. COSAN JTA-46 is recommended for use in joint cements, acoustical plasters, texture-finished paint, building adhesives and other powdered products which are commonly applied out of water solutions or dispersions. One of the major problems in the use of these products is microbial spoilage. COSAN JTA-46 has been specifically formulated as a preservative for the protection of these compositions without bringing about commonly encountered undesirable side effects. In addition, control of fungi where required will be provided in order to mitigate the problems associated with mildew defacement. COSAN JTA-46 offers immediate preservation upon wetting of the formulation which is to be protected. 

Flocculation of microorganisms is thought to be affected by a bridging mechanism of polymers excreeted by the microorganisms or exposed to the microbial surface under suitable physiological conditions. More recently new work on adhesion of bacteria have been carried out (Van Loosdrecht et al., 1990) see Chapter 7.9. 

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