Chemical Mechanisms of Biodeterioration of Aircraft Fuel Studied by Nonlinear Light Scattering
Abstract
Growth of microorganisms such as yeasts, bacteria and fungi inside storage facilities of aircraft fuel is known to cause the degradation of the fuel. Early detection and prevention of this degradation process so that fuel can be stored for the use of aircraft in time has been an important goal for Air Force research activities. As microorganisms typically grow in environments rich in nutrients and free of antimicrobials, how do microorganisms adapt to specific changes in environmental conditions to survive and even proliferate has become an intellectually important topic for research. In environments seemingly harsh toward their existence, how do microorganisms protect themselves and manage to continue their living processes and even reproduce? As microorganisms regulate their interaction with the environment through their membranes, it is essential that we understand how microorganism membranes function under different environmental conditions. In this study, we propose to use nonlinear light scattering, an intrinsically surface sensitive phenomenon, to probe interactions, i.e. adsorption and transport, of molecules with the various membranes of microorganisms such as bacteria in both the Gram positive and Gram negative categories, while the pH and chemical composition in the liquid environment surrounding the bacteria undergo broad and drastic changes. We will examine in particular membrane environment interactions in conditions mimicking the fuel water interface where bacteria is found to proliferate. In addition we will also test the effectiveness of antimicrobials developed for eliminating microorganisms in the fuel rich environment. This study will provide unprecedented detailed mechanistic information that will be useful for understanding how microorganisms adapt to environments, and subsequently for designing strategies of confining the growth or even eliminating microorganisms in fuel storage facilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95501910253
Entities
People
- Hai-Lung Dai
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Temple University
- United States Air Force