DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2013.9
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/923
Date of Award
3-2013
Degree Name
MS in Biomedical Engineering
Department/Program
Biomedical and General Engineering
Advisor
Daniel Walsh
Abstract
Research was conducted to observe bacterial growth on the surface of metals in a static bioreactor. Metal and non-metal samples were subjected to bacterial exposure (1 day and 9 days). The metal samples were surface treated prior to bacterial exposure. The microstructures of the surface treated samples were analyzed by optical microscopy. After exposure, the microstructures of the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analysis suggested that microbial attachment on the surface was related to the underlying microstructure of steel. The preferential attachment of microbes could potentially be influenced by cathodic and anodic regions created by the electrolytic cells.