Antibacterial and Abrasion-Resistant Alumina Micropatterns

The fabrication and initial testing of microstructured alumina surfaces that were biofunctionalized to feature an efficient antimicrobial activity and a high abrasion resistance was presented. Bacterial and abrasion resistance of biofunctionalized microstructured surface at flow-conditions was tested using viable bacteria. Alumina pallets were fabricated by biaxial compaction of high purity α-alumina with diameters of 10mm and applying the pressure of 40 MPa for 5 sec. The honeycomb micropatterns presented an average diameter size of 430∓5 μm and a wall height of 10∓2 μm. Fluorescent microscope analysis reveal that on non-functionalized alumina surfaces M. luteus forma bofilm of living bacteria, which form characteristic cell-aggregates of viable cells.