Mask-assisted jet biomachining based on Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and its application in functional friction surfaces

A novel mask-assisted jet biomachining (MJBM) method was developed to fabricate functional microstructures on a phosphor-tin alloy (ZCuSn10Pb1), significantly enhancing the surface tribological performance. MJBM integrates the metabolic activity of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans with directional jetting of the culture supernatant, achieving a material removal rate 58.94 times higher than immersion and 4.97 times higher than shaking methods, respectively, while maintaining notably lower dimensional deviations in the fabricated micro-dimples. Compared to smooth surfaces, the textured surfaces exhibited up to a 56.4 % reduction in the friction coefficient. These findings, in conjunction with current literature, indicate that MJBM can be a more is an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach for fabricating functional microstructures. Additionally, elucidating the material removal mechanisms underlying MJBM significantly broadens the application potential of bioprocesses. The innovative integration of MJBM with surface texturing and micro-component fabrication provides valuable insights for advancing cleaner production.