The retention of bacteria on hygienic surfaces presenting scratches of microbial dimensions.
OBJECTIVE
To produce surfaces of defined linear topographical features which reflect those found on worn and new stainless steel, to monitor the effect of feature dimensions on the retention of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus sciuri.


RESULTS
Surfaces were fabricated with parallel linear features of 30 microns or of microbial dimensions (1.02 and 0.59 microm width) and used in microbial retention assays with Staph. sciuri and L. monocytogenes. Retained cells were distributed uniformly across the smooth 30 micron featured surfaces but were retained in high numbers on microtopographies at the 'peaks' between the wide grooves. On smaller features, retention was attributed to the maximum area of contact between cells and substratum being attained, with cocci being embedded in 1.02-microm-width grooves, and rods aligned along (and across) the densely packed parallel 0.59-microm grooves.


CONCLUSIONS
The dimensions of surface features may enhance or impede cell retention. This phenomenon is also related to the size and shape of the microbial cell.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings may help describe and evaluate properties of hygienic and easily cleanable surfaces.
Verran
J
J
School of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK. j.verran@mmu.ac.uk
Packer
A
A
Kelly
P
P
Whitehead
K A
KA
D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013193:Stainless Steel; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D013499:Surface Properties
D013193:Stainless Steel