title: Physical methods for characterization of microbial surfaces.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: GBF, Gesellschaft für Biotechnologische Forschung, Braunschweig, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Krekeler
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ziehr
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Klein
mesh_terms: 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