Evaluation and Prevention of Biofilm Formation on Stainless Steel Sensor Mesh for Effective Biofouling Mitigation

Junhui Chen; Yuting Li; Archer Anderson; Shan Liu; Leilei Dai; Lu Wang; Mark Gino K. Galang; Yuchuan Wang; Juer Liu; Nan Zhou; Yuxi Chen; Xiangyang Lin; Kirk Cobb; Roger Ruan

doi:10.53941/algaeenviron.2025.100004

Abstract

This study evaluated strategies for preventing biofilm formation on stainless steel sensor mesh screens by integrating anti-fouling approaches and applying mathematical models to stimulate biofilm elimination during anti-fouling processes. Results showed that the proposed sensor mesh housing equipped with an external low-level strength electric field effectively reduced microbial biofilm formation and mitigated sensor mesh biofouling. Additionally, the combined application of the alternating electric field and ultrasonic irradiation significantly enhanced biofilm prevention and control. Anti-fouling tests conducted in natural lake water revealed that microalgae and bacteria can form biofilms on stainless steel screen electrodes in a time-dependent manner, with the 48-h time interval being crucial for cell adhesion and biofilm formation. Moreover, the dynamic process of biofilm elimination during ultrasonic treatment was successfully simulated using different mathematic models, demonstrating their suitability for describing these anti-fouling processes. This work provides valuable insights into the protection of water-monitoring sensors and probes, and to minimize biofouling through the combined use of stainless steel mesh, electric field, and ultrasonic irradiation to ensure long-term performance of sensors in aquatic high-fouling environments.

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