Efficacy of UV treatment in the management of bacterial adhesion on hard surfaces

The efficacy of UV treatment to control bacterial adhesion onto hard surfaces was investigated in laboratory conditions. The major characteristics necessary for biofilm formation like extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, carbohydrate and protein concentration in EPS, and adhesion ability onto hard surface were studied using two bacterial strains isolated from marine biofilms. The results showed that there was a considerable difference between the control and UV treated bacterial cultures in their viability, production of EPS, and adhesion ability. The protein and carbohydrate concentration of the EPS and the adhesion of bacterial cells to surface were also considerably reduced due to UV treatment. This study indicates that treatment of water with UV light may be used to control biofilm development on hard surfaces.