Biofilm clearance using magnetically actuated surfaces

Bacterial biofilms can grow on a variety of surfaces. They present a constant issue in biomedical devices, in which a device can be in contact with a patient for weeks to months, and subsequently may cause bacterial infections. Especially with bacterial resistance to antibiotic treatments growing over the past years, we must find other solutions to prevent biofilm formation. Here, we approach this problem by creating self-cleaning magnetic active carpets. We synthesize a nanofabricated surface with an array of magnetic platforms that actively remove bacteria. Specifically, this surface can generate substantial flows that can dislodge bacteria from the surface mechanically. We use this to show that we can 1. remove bacteria anchored onto the surface and 2. prevent further bacterial attachment. To show this, we use E. coli and P. aeruginosa as model biofilm bacteria, and fluorescently track their surface colonization. We therefore introduce an active surface, capable of creating high flow velocities, as a mechanical solution to remove and prevent biofilm formation.