Facile fabrication of self-assembled monolayers of organosilanes for antibiofilm applications

Biofilm is a conglomeration of microbial cells, encased in extracellular polymeric matrix. Biofilm formation at solid-liquid interfaces is imminent to microfouling and poses serious operational problems in various industrial, clinical and environmental settings. Surface modification strategies are essential to mitigate biofilm formation. In this study, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of a spectrum of trimethoxy, triethoxy, and chlorosilanes were prepared on glass surfaces and evaluated for their antibiofilm potential against Staphylococcus lentus , a strong biofilm producer of marine origin. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy confirmed successful silanization by identifying characteristic vibrational modes. Wettability analysis further validated the modifications, with variations in water contact angle (WCA) correlating with silane type and functional group chemistry. Fluorescence microscopic and Flow cytometry analyses demonstrated significant inhibition of microbial colonization, with certain hydrophobic silanes reducing biofilm formation substantially. The live/dead ratio analysis further confirmed the impact of silane coatings on microbial viability. This study highlights the antibiofilm propensity of hydrophobic silanes which can be explored in developing environmentally benign antifouling solutions. • Silanization increased the wettability of glass up to near super-hydrophobic range. • Silane coated surfaces negate the biofilm forming capacity of S. lentus, a strong biofilm producer. • Functional groups of silanes aided in killing of adhered microbial cells. • Silanes hold promise in developing antibiofilm surfaces by direct application.