Atomic force microscopy and hydrodynamic characterization of the adhesion of staphylococcus aureus to hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrata at different pH values

Exploring chitosan-plant extract bilayer coatings: Advancements in active food packaging via polypropylene modification

UV-ozone activated polypropylene (PP) food films were subjected to a novel bilayer coating process involving primary or quaternary chitosan (CH/QCH) as the first layer and natural extracts from juniper needles (Juniperus oxycedrus; JUN) or blackberry leaves (Rubus fruticosus; BBL) as the second layer. This innovative approach aims to redefine active packaging (AP) development. Through a detailed analysis by surface characterization and bioactivity assessments (i.e., antioxidant and antimicrobial functionalities), we evaluated different coating combinations. Furthermore, we investigated the stability and barrier characteristics inherent in these coatings. The confirmed deposition, coupled with a comprehensive characterization of their composition and morphology, underscored the efficacy of the coatings. Our investigation included wettability assessment via contact angle (CA) measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), which revealed substantial enhancements in surface concentrations of elements and functional groups of CH, QCH, JUN, and BBL. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) unveiled the coatings' heterogeneity, while time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and CA profiling showed moderately compact bilayers on PP, providing active species on the hydrophilic surface, respectively. The coatings significantly reduced the oxygen permeability. Additionally, single-layer depositions of CH and QCH remained below the overall migration limit (OML). Remarkably, the coatings exhibited robust antioxidative properties due to plant extracts and exceptional antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, attributed to QCH. These findings underscore the pivotal role of film surface properties in governing bioactive characteristics and offer a promising pathway for enhancing food packaging functionality.

Effect of DMPEI coating against biofilm formation on PVC catheter surface

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant cause of morbidity in healthcare systems and are prominently associated with applying urethral catheters, particularly in surgeries. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is extensively utilized in the fabrication of catheters. Biofilms, complex polymeric constructions, provide a protective milieu for cell multiplication and the enhancement of antibiotic resistance. Strategies to counteract biofilm development on medical apparatuses' surfaces incorporate antimicrobial agents such as N,N-dodecyl, and methyl polyethylenimine (DMPEI). This research endeavored to characterize the morphology of PVC and PVC-DMPEI surfaces utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and to gauge hydrophobicity through contact angle measurements. Employing Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans in adhesion assays enabled the assessment of DMPEI's efficacy in preventing microbial adherence to PVC. Butanol successfully solubilized 2 mg.mL-1 DMPEI without altering the PVC structure. SEM results substantiated the formation of a DMPEI layer on the PVC surface, which led to decreased surface roughness, as validated by AFM, and increased hydrophilicity, as demonstrated by contact angle evaluations. E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans exhibited significant adhesion reduction, 89.3%, 94.3%, and 86.6% on PVC-DMPEI surfaces. SEM visualizations confirmed reduced cellular colonization on PVC-DMPEI and highlighted considerable morphological modifications in E. coli. Consequently, DMPEI films effectively minimize the adhesion of E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans on PVC surfaces. DMPEI, with its potential as a protective coating for innovative medical devices, promises to inhibit biofilm adherence effectively.

Physiological characteristics, geochemical properties and hydrological variables influencing pathogen migration in subsurface system: What we know or not?

The global outbreak of coronavirus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19) draws attentions in the transport and spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in aerosols, wastewater, surface water and solid wastes. As pathogens eventually enter the subsurface system, e.g., soils in the vadose zone and groundwater in the aquifers, they might survive for a prolonged period of time owing to the uniqueness of subsurface environment. In addition, pathogens can transport in groundwater and contaminate surrounding drinking water sources, possessing long-term and concealed risks to human society. This work critically reviews the influential factors of pathogen migration, unravelling the impacts of pathogenic characteristics, vadose zone physiochemical properties and hydrological variables on the migration of typical pathogens in subsurface system. An assessment algorithm and two rating/weighting schemes are proposed to evaluate the migration abilities and risks of pathogens in subsurface environment. As there is still no evidence about the presence and distribution of SARS-CoV-2 in the vadose zones and aquifers, this study also discusses the migration potential and behavior of SARS-CoV-2 viruses in subsurface environment, offering prospective clues and suggestions for its potential risks in drinking water and effective prevention and control from hydrogeological points of view.

Preoperative and perioperative risk factors, and risk score development for prosthetic joint infection due to Staphylococcus aureus: A multinational matched case-control study

OBJECTIVES

We aim to identify the preoperative and perioperative risk factors associated with post-surgical Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic joint infections (PJI), and to develop and validate risk-scoring systems, to allow a better identification of high-risk patients for more efficient targeted interventions.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter matched case-control study of patients who underwent a primary hip and knee arthroplasty from 2014 to 2016. Two multivariable models by logistic regression were performed, one for the preoperative and one for perioperative variables; also, predictive scores were developed and validated in an external cohort.

RESULTS

In total, 130 cases and 386 controls were included. The variables independently associated with S. aureus-PJI in the preoperative period were (adjusted OR; 95% CI): BMI >30 kg/m² (3.0; 1.9-4.8), resident in a long-term care facility (2.8; 1.05-7.5), fracture as reason for arthroplasty (2.7; 1.4-5.03), skin disorders (2.5; 0.9-7.04), previous surgery in the index joint (2.4; 1.3-4.4), male sex (1.9; 1.2-2.9) and ASA score 3-4 (1.8; 1.2-2.9). The AUROC curve was 0.73 (95% CI 0.68-0.78). In perioperative model, the risk factors were the previous ones plus surgical antibiotic prophylaxis administered out of the first 60 minutes before incision (5.9; 2.1-16.2), wound drainage for >72h after arthroplasty (4.5; 1.9-19.4) and use of metal bearing material vs. ceramic (1.9; 1.1-3.3). The AUROC curve was 0.78 (95% CI 0.72-0.83). The predictive scores developed were validated in the external cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Predictive scores for S. aureus-PJI were developed and validated; this information would be useful for implementation of specific preventive measures.

Fighting S. aureus catheter-related infections with sophorolipids: Electing an antiadhesive strategy or a release one?

Staphylococcus aureus medical devices related-infections, such as blood stream catheter are of major concern. Their prevention is compulsory and strategies, not prone to the development of resistance, to prevent S. aureus biofilms on catheter surfaces (e.g. silicone) are needed. In this work two different approaches using sophorolipids were studied to prevent S. aureus biofilm formation on medical grade silicone: i) an antiadhesive strategy through covalent bond of sophorolipids to the surface; ii) and a release strategy using isolated most active sophorolipids. Sophorolipids produced by Starmerella bombicola, were characterized by UHPLC-MS and RMN, purified by automatic flash chromatography and tested for their antimicrobial activity towards S. aureus. Highest antimicrobial activity was observed for C18:0 and C18:1 diacetylated lactonic sophorolipids showing a MIC of 50 μg mL^-1. Surface modification with acidic or lactonic sophorolipids when evaluating the anti-adhesive or release strategy, respectively, was confirmed by contact angle, FTIR-ATR and AFM analysis. When using a mixture of acidic sophorolipids covalently bonded to silicone surface as antiadhesive strategy cytocompatible surfaces were obtained and a reduction of 90 % on biofilm formation was observed. Nevertheless, if a release strategy is adopted with purified lactonic sophorolipids a higher effect is achieved. Most promising compound was C18:1 diacateylated lactonic sophorolipid that showed no cellular viability reduction when a concentration of 1.5 mg mL^-1 was selected and a reduction on biofilm around 5 log units. Results reinforce the applicability of these antimicrobial biosurfactants on preventing biofilms and disclose that their antimicrobial effect is imperative when comparing to their antiadhesive properties.

Ceramic-on-Ceramic Bearing in Total Hip Arthroplasty Reduces the Risk for Revision for Periprosthetic Joint Infection Compared to Ceramic-on-Polyethylene: A Matched Analysis of 118,753 Cementless THA Based on the German Arthroplasty Registry

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most common complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The influence of bearing material on the risk of PJI remains unclear to date. This registry-based matched study investigates the role of bearing partners in primary cementless THA. Primary cementless THAs recorded in the German Arthroplasty Registry since 2012 with either a ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) or ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP) bearings were included in the analysis. Using propensity score matching (PSM) for age, sex, obesity, diabetes mellitus, Elixhauser comorbidity index, year of surgery and head size, we compared the risk for revision for PJI for CoC and CoP. Within the 115,538 THAs (87.1% CoP; 12.9% CoC), 977 revisions were performed due to PJI. There was a significantly higher risk for revision for PJI for CoP compared with CoC over the whole study period (p < 0.01) after 2:1 matching (CoP:CoC) with a hazard ratio of 1.41 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09 to 1.80) After 3 years, the risk for revision for PJI was 0.7% (CI 0.5–0.9%) for CoC and 0.9% (CI 0.8–1.1%) for CoP. The risk for revision for all other reasons except PJI did not significantly differ between the two groups over the whole study period (p = 0.4). Cementless THAs with CoC bearings were less likely to be revised because of infection in mid-term follow-up. In the future, registry-embedded studies focusing on long-term follow-up, including clinical data, as well as basic science studies, may give a deeper insight into the influence of the bearing partners.

Low-Cost Deposition of Antibacterial Ion-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Coatings onto 316L Stainless Steel for Biomedical and Dental Applications

Substitutions of ions into an apatitic lattice may result in antibacterial properties. In this study, magnesium (Mg)-, zinc (Zn)-, and silicon (Si)-substituted hydroxyapatite (HA) were synthesized using a microwave irradiation technique. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was added during the synthesis of the substituted HA as a binding agent. The synthesized Mg-, Zn-, and Si-substituted HAs were then coated onto a 316L-grade stainless-steel substrate using low-cost electrophoretic deposition (EPD), thereby avoiding exposure to high temperatures. The deposited layer thickness was measured and the structural, phase and morphological analysis were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The bacterial adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus was characterized at 30 min, 2 h and 6 h. The results showed homogeneous, uniform thickness (50–70 µm) of the substrate. FTIR and XRD showed the characteristic spectral peaks of HA, where the presence of Mg, Zn and Si changed the spectral peak intensities. The Mg–HA coating showed the least bacterial adhesion at 30 min and 2 h. In contrast, the Si–HA coating showed the least adhesion at 6 h. EPD showed an effective way to get a uniform coating on bio-grade metal implants, where ionic-substituted HA appeared as alternative coating material compared to conventional HA and showed the least bacterial adhesion.

Analyzing the effect of pH on microalgae adhesion by identifying the dominant interaction between cell and surface

Microalgae adhesion plays a critical role in developing effective photobioreactors for large-scale production of microalgae biofuel. This study focused on elucidating the influencing mechanism of liquid medium pH on microalgae adhesion by identifying the dominant interactions between cell and substratum using a criterion. Herein, the adhesion of three microalgae onto two substrata at a series of pH was observed using a flow chamber. The results indicated that the adhesion of freshwater Chlorella sp. onto PVC and glass and marine Chlorella sp. and N. oculata onto glass decreased with increasing pH, because these adhesions were dominated by the EL interaction, and the pH would influence the adhesion primarily by affecting the ζ potential of the cell and substratum. Whereas, the adhesion of marine Chlorella sp. and N. oculata onto PVC increased with increasing pH, because these adhesions were dominated by Lewis acid-base (AB) interaction, and the pH would influence the adhesion primarily by affecting the components of surface free energy of cell. The study demonstrated that the influencing mechanism of pH on adhesion can be conclusively elucidated by identifying the dominant interaction between the cell and the surface, and may have significant implications for predicting cell adhesion in various applications.

The effect of bearing surface on risk of periprosthetic joint infection in total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Different bearing surface materials have different surface properties and it has been suggested that the choice of bearing surface may influence the risk of PJI after THA. The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the rate of PJI between metal-on-polyethylene (MoP), ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP), and ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were searched for comparative randomized and observational studies that reported the incidence of PJI for different bearing surfaces. Two investigators independently reviewed studies for eligibility, evaluated risk of bias, and performed data extraction. Meta-analysis was performed using the Mantel-Haenzel method and random-effects model in accordance with methods of the Cochrane group.

RESULTS

Our search strategy revealed 2272 studies, of which 17 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. These comprised 11 randomized controlled trials and six observational studies. The overall quality of included studies was high but the observational studies were at high risk of bias due to inadequate adjustment for confounding factors. The overall cumulative incidence of PJI across all studies was 0.78% (1514/193 378). For each bearing combination, the overall incidence was as follows: MoP 0.85% (1353/158 430); CoP 0.38% (67/17 489); and CoC 0.53% (94/17 459). The meta-analysis showed no significant difference between the three bearing combinations in terms of risk of PJI.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of the clinical studies available, there is no evidence that bearing choice influences the risk of PJI. Future research, including basic science studies and large, adequately controlled registry studies, may be helpful in determining whether implant materials play a role in determining the risk of PJI following arthroplasty surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:134-42.

Can Sophorolipids prevent biofilm formation on silicone catheter tubes?

Given the impact of biofilms in health care environment and the increasing antibiotic resistance and/or tolerance, new strategies for preventing that occurrence in medical devices are obligatory. Thus, biomaterials surface functionalization with active compounds can be a valuable approach. In the present study the ability of the biosurfactants sophorolipids to prevent biofilms formation on silicone rubber aimed for medical catheters was investigated. Sophorolipids produced by Starmerella bombicola, identified by HPLC-MS/MS were used to cover silicone and surface characterization was evaluated through contact angle measurements and FTIR-ATR. Results revealed that sophorolipids presence on silicone surface decreased the hydrophobicity of the material and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated through different methods and was more pronounced against S. aureus. Furthermore, biocompatibility of silicone specimens with HaCaT cells was also obtained. From this study it was possible to conclude that sophorolipids seem to be a favourable approach for coating silicone catheters. Such compounds may represent a novel source of antibiofilm agents for technological development passing through strategies of permanent functionalization of surfaces.

Effects of Piper cubeba L. essential oil on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an AFM and TEM study

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is creating a real challenge for health care systems worldwide, making the development of novel antibiotics a necessity. In addition to the development of new antibiotics, there is an urgent need for in-depth characterization of the mechanisms of bacterial resistance toward new drugs. Here, we used essential oils extracted in our laboratory from Piper cubeba against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, one of the most prominent antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Effects of the essential oils extracted from P cubeba on bacteria were mainly evaluated using 2 powerful microscopy techniques: atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. High-resolution atomic force microscopy images of the cells were obtained close to their native environment by immobilizing the cells on porous Polyether sulfone membranes, which were prepared in our laboratory with a wide range and distribution of pore sizes and depth. Inhibition zones (mm) and minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined. Two different concentrations of the oil were used to treat the cells: 50 μg/mL minimum inhibitory concentration and 25 μg/mL. The 50 μg/mL oil solution caused severe damage to the bacterial cells at microscopic levels while the 25 μg/mL solution showed no effects compared to the control. However, at nanoscopic levels, the 25 μg/mL oil solution caused significant changes in the cell wall, which could potentially impair bacterial activities. These results were also confirmed by transmission electron microscopy micrographs. Our results indicate that the extract has a good biological activity against methicillin- and oxacillin-resistant S aureus and that it acts on the cell wall and plasma (cytoplasmic) membrane.

Bacterial Extracellular Polysaccharides in Biofilm Formation and Function

Microbes produce a biofilm matrix consisting of proteins, extracellular DNA, and polysaccharides that is integral in the formation of bacterial communities. Historical studies of polysaccharides revealed that their overproduction often alters the colony morphology and can be diagnostic in identifying certain species. The polysaccharide component of the matrix can provide many diverse benefits to the cells in the biofilm, including adhesion, protection, and structure. Aggregative polysaccharides act as molecular glue, allowing the bacterial cells to adhere to each other as well as surfaces. Adhesion facilitates the colonization of both biotic and abiotic surfaces by allowing the bacteria to resist physical stresses imposed by fluid movement that could separate the cells from a nutrient source. Polysaccharides can also provide protection from a wide range of stresses, such as desiccation, immune effectors, and predators such as phagocytic cells and amoebae. Finally, polysaccharides can provide structure to biofilms, allowing stratification of the bacterial community and establishing gradients of nutrients and waste products. This can be advantageous for the bacteria by establishing a heterogeneous population that is prepared to endure stresses created by the rapidly changing environments that many bacteria encounter. The diverse range of polysaccharide structures, properties, and roles highlight the importance of this matrix constituent to the successful adaptation of bacteria to nearly every niche. Here, we present an overview of the current knowledge regarding the diversity and benefits that polysaccharide production provides to bacterial communities within biofilms.

How microorganisms use hydrophobicity and what does this mean for human needs?

Cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) plays a crucial role in the attachment to, or detachment from the surfaces. The influence of CSH on adhesion of microorganisms to biotic and abiotic surfaces in medicine as well as in bioremediation and fermentation industry has both negative and positive aspects. Hydrophobic microorganisms cause the damage of surfaces by biofilm formation; on the other hand, they can readily accumulate on organic pollutants and decompose them. Hydrophilic microorganisms also play a considerable role in removing organic wastes from the environment because of their high resistance to hydrophobic chemicals. Despite the many studies on the environmental and metabolic factors affecting CSH, the knowledge of this subject is still scanty and is in most cases limited to observing the impact of hydrophobicity on adhesion, aggregation or flocculation. The future of research seems to lie in finding a way to managing the microbial adhesion process, perhaps by steering cell hydrophobicity.

Printed paper-based arrays as substrates for biofilm formation

The suitability of paper-based arrays for biofilm formation studies by Staphylococcus aureus is demonstrated. Laboratory-coated papers with different physicochemical properties were used as substrates. The array platform was fabricated by patterning the coated papers with vinyl-substituted polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) -based ink. The affinity of bacteria onto the flexographically printed hydrophobic and smooth PDMS film was very low whereas bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation occurred preferentially on the unprinted areas, i.e. in the reaction arrays. The concentration of the attached bacteria was quantified by determining the viable colony forming unit (CFU/cm²) numbers. The distribution and the extent of surface coverage of the biofilms were determined by atomic force microscopy. In static conditions, the highest bacterial concentration and most highly organized biofilms were observed on substrates with high polarity. On a rough paper surface with low polarity, the biofilm formation was most hindered. Biofilms were effectively removed from a polar substrate upon exposure to (+)-dehydroabietic acid, an anti-biofilm compound.

Biofilm formation and persistence on abiotic surfaces in the context of food and medical environments

The biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces in food and medical sectors constitutes a great public health concerns. In fact, biofilms present a persistent source for pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, which lead to severe infections such as foodborne and nosocomial infections. Such biofilms are also a source of material deterioration and failure. The environmental conditions, commonly met in food and medical area, seem also to enhance the biofilm formation and their resistance to disinfectant agents. In this regard, this review highlights the effect of environmental conditions on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces in the context of food and medical environment. It also describes the current and emergent strategies used to study the biofilm formation and its eradication. The mechanisms of biofilm resistance to commercialized disinfectants are also discussed, since this phenomenon remains unclear to date.

Selective SERS detecting of hydrophobic microorganisms by tricomponent nanohybrids of silver-silicate-platelet-surfactant

Nanohybrids consisting of silver nanoparticles (Ag), clay platelets, and a nonionic surfactant were prepared and used as the substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The nanoscale silicate platelets (SP) (with dimensions of 100 × 100 nm(2) and a thickness of ∼1 nm) were previously prepared from exfoliation of the natural layered silicates. The tricomponent nanohybrids, Ag-SP-surfactant (Ag-SP-S), were prepared by in situ reduction of AgNO3 in the presence of clay and the surfactant. The clay platelets with a large surface area and ionic charge (ca. 18 000 sodium ions per platelet) allowed for the stabilization of Ag nanoparticles in the range of 10-30 nm in diameter. With the addition of a nonionic surfactant such as poly(oxyethylene) alkyl ether, the tricomponent Ag-SP-S nanohybrids possessed an altered affinity for contacting microorganisms. The particle size and interparticle gaps between neighboring Ag on SP were characterized by TEM. The surface tension of Ag-SP and Ag-SP-S in water implied different interactions between Ag and hydrophobic bacteria ( Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis ). By increasing the surfactant content in Ag-SP-S, the SERS peak intensity was dramatically enhanced compared to the Ag-SP counterpart. The nanohybrids, Ag-SP and Ag-SP-S, with the advantages of varying hydrophobic affinity, floating in medium, and 3D hot-junction enhancement could be tailored for use as SERS substrates. The selective detection of hydrophobic microorganisms and larger biological cells makes SERS a possible rapid, label-free, and culture-free method of biodetection.

Micro-/nanometer rough structure of a superhydrophobic biodegradable coating by electrospraying for initial anti-bioadhesion

A novel superhydrophobic biodegradable coating with micro-/nanometer rough structure, fabricated by co-electrospraying poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and modified silica nanoparticles (MSNs), exhibits good anti-adhesion behavior towards bacteria and cells in the initial culturing phase, which makes it a promising technology for preparing medical device coatings.

Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy characterization of the adhesion of conidia from Penicillium expansum to cedar wood substrata at different pH values

Initial microbial adhesion to surfaces is a complicated process that is affected by a number of factors. An important property of a solution that may influence adhesion is pH. The surface properties of the cedar wood were characterized by the sessile drop technique. Moreover, the interfacial free energy of surface adhesion to the cedar wood was determined under pH values (2, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11). The results showed that cedar wood examined at different pH levels could be considered hydrophobic ranged from Giwi = -13.1 mJ/m(2) to Giwi = -75 mJ/m(2). We noted that the electron-donor character of cedar wood was important at both basic and limit acidic conditions (pH 11 and pH 3) and it decreased at intermediate pH (pH 5). The cedar wood substratum presents a weak electron acceptor under various pH's. In addition, the adhesion of conidia from Penicilllium expansum to the cedar wood surfaces at different pH values (2, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11) was investigated using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy and image analysis was assessed with the Mathlab(®) program. The data analysis showed that the conidia from P. expansum were strongly influenced by the pH. The maximum adhesion occurs in the pH 11 and pH 3 and decreased to 24% at pH 5.

Superhydrophobic poly(L-lactic acid) surface as potential bacterial colonization substrate

Hydrophobicity is a very important surface property and there is a growing interest in the production and characterization of superhydrophobic surfaces. Accordingly, it was recently shown how to obtain a superhydrophobic surface using a simple and cost-effective method on a polymer named poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA). To evaluate the ability of such material as a substrate for bacterial colonization, this work assessed the capability of different bacteria to colonize a biomimetic rough superhydrophobic (SH) PLLA surface and also a smooth hydrophobic (H) one. The interaction between these surfaces and bacteria with different morphologies and cell walls was studied using one strain of Staphylococcus aureus and one of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results showed that both bacterial strains colonized the surfaces tested, although significantly higher numbers of S. aureus cells were found on SH surfaces comparing to H ones. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy images showed an extracellular matrix produced by P. aeruginosa on SH PLLA surfaces, indicating that this bacterium is able to form a biofilm on such substratum. Bacterial removal through lotus leaf effect was also tested, being more efficient on H coupons than on SH PLLA ones. Overall, the results showed that SH PLLA surfaces can be used as a substrate for bacterial colonization and, thus, have an exceptional potential for biotechnology applications.