Analysis of <i>Giardia
lamblia</i> Interactions
with Polymer Surfaces Using a Microarray Approach
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Abstract
The interaction of the waterborne protozoan parasite, <i>Giardia
lamblia</i>, with polymeric materials was investigated by microarray
screening of 652 polymers. Polymers were identified which either bound <i>G. lamblia</i> cysts or prevented their binding. Correlation
of material properties such as wettability and surface roughness with
cyst attachment revealed no influence of these factors upon <i>Giardia</i> adhesion. However, the study of polymer composition
allowed the correlation of binding and generation of polymer structure
function relationships; glycol and aromatic functionalities appeared
to prevent adhesion, whereas secondary amine groups promoted adhesion,
in agreement with previous literature. A significant reduction in
attachment was observed following both cyst treatments with proteinase
K and performing experiments at extremes of pH (2 and 12). It is suggested
that proteinase K removes the proteins needed for specific surface
interactions, whereas extremes of pH influence either protonation
of the polymer or the surface charge of the cysts. The mechanism by
which the protozoa attach to polymeric surfaces is proposed to be
through ion–pair interactions. Improved understanding of <i>G. lamblia</i> surface interactions could assist in predicting
transport and fate behavior in the environment and contribute to better
design of water treatment processes, while the polymers identified
in this work could find use in sensor applications and membrane filtration