Structural and functional characteristics of biofilms and biopolymers

Abstract

In this project we will apply scanning probe microscopy techniques to the structural and functional characterization of Xylella fastidiosa biofilms as well as synthetic melanin thin films. In the former case, we intend to analyze the adhesion process of bacteria onto thin films of different materials and surface patterns (micro and nanometer-sized). The influence of the culture media (addition of nutrients, metallic ions and nanoparticles) should also be investigated. For these purposes we intend to use atomic force microscopy measurements (topography, phase and force spectroscopy), which can be carried out simultaneously with optical and fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, in an extension of previous works, we intend to observe the effect of solutions with different pH on the structure of synthetic melanin thin films, in order to verify the possibility of using this material as a hydrogen storage system.