LAUSR

ABSTRACT In poultry production, various substrates and the adhesive properties of pathogenic bacteria lead to biofilm formation and bio-contamination. This study investigates bacterial attachment behaviour on materials commonly used in poultry farming to aid in selecting appropriate materials and mitigating bio-contamination risks. We compared the hygienic profiles of these materials and elucidated the physicochemical mechanisms governing adhesion. Physicochemical properties and surface interaction energies between Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and five substrates were estimated using the contact angle method, and the number of adherent cells was quantified experimentally. Results showed that all substrates, except for the underside of straw (SUS), were predominantly hydrophobic. The E. coli ATCC25922 strain showed strong affinity towards polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (PEHD). The difference in adherence abilities of E. coli ATCC25922 was significantly affected by quantitative hydrophobicity and electron donor character. This study highlights factors influencing bacterial adhesion, aiding in the prevention of biofilm.