Bio Film

Bio Film

SURFACE OF TEFLON® FIGHT BIOFILM BUILD UP

Surfaces of Teflon® resist the onset of biological films because Teflon® is not easily wetted and is not subject to biological or chemical attack. Bacteria are too large to gain a hiding place on the smooth surface of Teflon®. Data reported by the BioProcess Technical Institute, University of Minnesota, shows that accumulated biofilm is far easier to remove from Teflon® than from stainless steel and glass. With easier cleaning, there’s a smaller volume of solution to dispose of, an environmental benefit.

Biofilm Removal, Percent, in Virtually Quiescent Dilute Sodium Hypochlorite [As reported by the BioProcess Technical Institute, University of Minnesota]

Commercial Substrate

K.pneumonia, %

S.Choleraisuis, %

E.Coli, %

Stainless Steel (elec. polished)

67

25

56

Polypropylene

67

75

75

Borosilicate Glass

89

0

0

Silicone-Coated Glass

89

89

78

Polyvinylidene Fluoride

89

89

89

Teflon®PFA

99

99

98

Contact angles in degrees with water show Teflon® is far less wettable than stainless steel or glass.

E.coli and other bacteria are too large to lodge in tiny asperities on smooth, nonreactive surfaces of Teflon® PFA HP.

EMPICO COATING SDN BHD

Source: Blackman, Tassi, Metcalfe

(Profile of the inside surface of Teflon® PFA pipe)


Electropolished (10RA) stainless steel can have pits that harbor biofilm and is much more wettable by aqueous media than Teflon®.
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