Hydrophobic Interactions: Role in Bacterial Adhesion

Abstract

The last decade has seen a dramatic rise in scientific interest in the field of bacterial adhesion and related subjects. Much of this interest has been directed in search of “specific interactions” between bacterium and substratum, such as those that are inhibited by specific sugar moieties. A second avenue of research has been the study of the role of less specific, hydrophobic interactions. Since it appears that this second avenue of research is being increasingly followed, reviews dealing with bacterial hydrophobicity and adhesion should be of use. The aims of the present chapter are to (1) present some relevant aspects of hydrophobic interactions; (2) describe the methodology available for measurements related to bacterial cell-surface hydrophobicity and the parameters they may measure; (3) discuss investigations dealing with surface components that promote or reduce bacterial hydrophobicity; and (4) survey studies related to the role of hydrophobic interactions in mediating bacterial adhesion to interfaces, traversing areas of environmental and medical interest.