Insights into the physical and chemical properties of struvite crystal surfaces in terms of the effectiveness of bacterial adhesion

In this paper, we present the results of research on the physicochemical properties of two selected faces of the struvite crystal, which is the main component of infectious urinary stones. Two main faces, (001) and ( 001 ), ending the c -axis, were selected for the study. These faces are not related by symmetry relations, which means, among other things, that they should have a different atomic structure, which was confirmed experimentally. In addition, the studies show that the tested surfaces have hydrophilic properties, however, the ( 001 ) face is more hydrophilic compared to the (001) face. The physicochemical properties of the crystal as a whole, as well as the physicochemical properties of these faces influence the magnitude of adhesion. The adhesive force in both water and artificial urine is greater for face ( 001 ) compared to face (001). The assessment of the adhesion of Proteus mirabilis bacteria in artificial urine also shows that the adhesion is greater for face ( 001 ) than for face (001). The adhesion of bacteria to the examined faces of the struvite crystal, and in particular the increased adhesion of bacteria to the face ( 001 ), may be the first stage of biofilm formation, which may result in a high rate of recurrence of infectious urinary stones after treatment.