Physical methods for characterization of microbial surfaces.
There are different concepts for explaining the adsorption of microorganisms to solid surfaces: the DLVO theory and the surface free energy. Basic aspects of both theories are discussed. Established methods for determining the surface properties of microbial cells are reviewed: Electrophoretic mobility, colloid titration, electrostatic interaction chromatography, bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons, partitioning in an aqueous two-phase system, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, contact angle measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. They are discussed and classified according to their potential for the correlation of cell surface characteristics and adsorption behavior.
Krekeler
C
C
GBF, Gesellschaft für Biotechnologische Forschung, Braunschweig, Federal Republic of Germany.
Ziehr
H
H
Klein
J
J
D000327:Adsorption; D001419:Bacteria / Q000032:analysis / Q000254:growth & development; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology; D004586:Electrophoresis; D005658:Fungi / Q000032:analysis / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D008433:Mathematics; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D013499:Surface Properties