Dynamic cell surface hydrophobicity of Lactobacillus strains with and without surface layer proteins.
Variations in surface hydrophobicity of six Lactobacillus strains with and without an S-layer upon changes in ionic strength are derived from contact angle measurements with low- and high-ionic-strength aqueous solutions. Cell surface hydrophobicity changed in response to changes in ionic strength in three out of the six strains, offering these strains a versatile mechanism to adhere to different surfaces. The dynamic behavior of the cell surface hydrophobicity could be confirmed for two selected strains by measuring the interaction force between hydrophobic and hydrophilic tips with use of atomic force microscopy.
Vadillo-Rodríguez
Virginia
V
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Busscher
Henk J
HJ
Norde
Willem
W
de Vries
Joop
J
van der Mei
Henny C
HC
D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D009994:Osmolar Concentration
D008565:Membrane Proteins