Sinusoidal CVD diamond micro-tools for the manufacture of micro-structured surfaces used in bioremediation

FIB technology showed great potential in the fabrication of complex shapes in precision microtools made of CVD polycrystalline diamond. This is a hardwearing tool material but otherwise difficult to be ground and shaped into precision cutting tools. A sinusoidal shape was successfully produced and replicated onto aluminium substrates via a “plunging” single point diamond turning process. The incubation of the aluminium samples confirm that microstructured surfaces have the potential to act as directors for the formation of biofilms of Bacillus sp. on metal surfaces. In particular: - Microstructured surfaces show a preferential cell adhesion compared to planar surfaces with optical finish - Sinusoidal grooves show higher potential than trapezoidal grooves for cells attachment and biofilm growth - The Sdr parameter is a good indicator for the available surface area, thus quantifying the potential for bacterial adhesion Further work is currently ongoing to investigate the role of the material composition and mechanical properties (stiffness) in the biofilm formation in conjunction with the quantification of biofilm formed on different microstructured surfaces.