Nanomechanical insights into bacterial adhesion on biomaterials using AFM-based force spectroscopy

Bacterial adhesion to biomaterials/tissues can lead to inevitable infection, inflammation, and even death, posing a serious threat to human health. An in-depth understanding of interactions between bacteria and biomaterial surfaces could provide effective strategies for inhibiting bacterial adhesion. Adhesion behavior can be quantified using adhesion forces measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based force spectroscopy. Although AFM-based force spectroscopy has been applied to investigate bacterial adhesion, the effect of biomaterials (including metals, ceramics, polymers, and cells) and surface modifications (including patterning and coating) on bacterial adhesion forces has not been systematically summarized. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in bacterial adhesion on biomaterials, focusing on the use of AFM-based force spectroscopy with bacterial probes. Surface topography on metals and ceramics reduces the contact area and inhibits bacterial adhesion. Coatings and chemical modifications on ceramic surfaces can either inhibit or promote bacterial adhesion, depending on the surface properties. The discussion about the bacterial adhesion on different biomaterial surfaces would benefit the inhibition of adhesion and the rational surface design for enhanced antibacterial properties. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance has led to increased interest in developing antibacterial materials with tailored surface properties. A critical aspect of understanding bacterial adhesion on surfaces is quantifying bacterial adhesion forces, often using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based force spectroscopy. While numerous studies have explored how biomaterials and surface modifications influence bacterial adhesion, a systematic review focusing on the nanomechanical aspects of adhesion forces is lacking. Here, a broad overview of the state-of-the-art research addresses this gap by summarizing the influence of biomaterials and surface modifications on bacterial adhesion forces in the context of AFM-based force spectroscopy. It will be of interest to researchers designing more effective antimicrobial materials and surfaces.