In Vitro Evaluation Of Escherichia Coli K- 12 Bacteria Adhesion Onto Co2 And Krf Laser-Treated Polyethylene Terephthalate (Pet)

Recently there are studies in developing new methods to increase bacterial adhesion onto polymeric surfaces that are used in biological application such as cell-based biosensors. In this study the surface of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films were irradiated using CO2 and KrF excimer pulsed lasers and adhesion behavior of Escherichia coli k-12 (E. coli K-12) bacteria onto the irradiated surfaces was studied in vitro. The changes in the surface properties due to laser irradiation were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurement. The results showed that laser treatment changes surface morphology and surface hydrophilicity. The number of bacteria that were adhered onto the surfaces was quantitatively investigated by fluorescent staining, microscopic observations and counting through Image Proplus software. The results showed that the number of adhered E. coli K-12 bacteria onto the irradiated surfaces by both CO2 and KrF lasers in comparison with unmodified surfaces was increased.