Predicting Biofilm Resistance of UV-Curable Coatings via the Lifshitz-van der Waals/Lewis Acid-Base Approach

Emily B. Henry, Lipscomb University

Abstract: An experimental methodology for the design of biofilm resistant UV-curable coatings is presented. Biofilm resistance is shown to be dependent on the surface free energy differential of coating surface and bacterium. Minimization of biofilm growth coincides with maximization of the difference in surface free energy between substrate and bacterium. Surface scientists and life scientists gain a quantitative, predictive methodology for the development of novel biofilm-resistant substrates.