Microbial biofilm formation on soybean oil based polymers

In this study, biofilm formation on different type of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) based polymers was investigated. Different types of ESO based polymers were synthesized. Bacterial accumulations on surface of these polymers were determined by using Modified Robbins Device for 60 days period. Surface characterizations of the materials were also performed at the beginning, at the 30th day and the 60th day of the experiment. Except ESO-HMDA polymer, changes were observed on the other polymer surfaces. Among the polymers synthesized, bacterial accumulation was the highest on the surfaces of the ESO-PEGM and ESO-TETA polymers. On the other hand, biofilm formation on the ESO-BPA and AESO-acrylic acid copolymer was the lowest. After 60 days, however, bacterial accumulation was highest on the surfaces of the ESO-TETA, ESO-MA and ESO-BPA polymers. Changes of the functional groups on the surface of the polymers were followed by MIR spectroscopy. It was found that almost all the surfaces of the materials were changed by microorganisms. When the surface was invaded by bacteria, microorganisms began to consume triglyceride moiety first.