What is cell surface hydrophobicity?
Cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) plays a crucial role in the attachment to, or detachment from the surfaces. The influence of CSH on adhesion of microorganisms to biotic and abiotic surfaces in medicine as well as in bioremediation and fermentation industry has both negative and positive aspects.
Is biofilm hydrophobic or hydrophilic?
First, the biofilm surfaces become hydrophilic, and second, after a chemical challenge, a lower cell survival is observed compared to the hydrophobic rose-like biofilms (Fig.
Are biofilms hydrophobic?
Biofilms are structured bacterial communities encased in an extracellular matrix. The Gram-positive soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis biofilm presents as an architecturally complex, highly hydrophobic community that resists wetting by water, solvents, and biocides.
How does hydrophobicity affect cell adhesion?
Depending on the type of surface, hydrophobicity of cells can increase the propensity of microorganisms to adhesion. The more hydrophobic cells adhere more strongly to hydrophobic surfaces, while hydrophilic cells strongly adhere to hydrophilic surfaces (Kochkodan et al., 2008; Giaouris et al., 2009).
Which molecule is hydrophobic?
Examples of hydrophobic molecules include the alkanes, oils, fats, and greasy substances in general. Hydrophobic materials are used for oil removal from water, the management of oil spills, and chemical separation processes to remove non-polar substances from polar compounds.
Are bacteria hydrophobic?
3.2. Cell surface hydrophobicity. Except for some extremophiles, bacteria are generally hydrophilic (Krekeler et al., 1989).
What is the purpose of hydrophobicity test?
Test methods cover the detection of the presence of hydrophobic (non-wetting) films on surfaces and the presence of hydrophobic organic materials in processing environments. When properly conducted, the test will enable detection of fractional molecular layers of hydrophobic organic contaminants.
How do you measure hydrophobicity of a polymer?
Measure the Contact angle of Copolymer. contact angle greater than 90 degree is called hydrophobic. More the value of contact angle, more the hydrophobicity. contact angle greater than 150 degree means material has superhydrophobic character.
What causes hydrophobicity?
The hydrophobic effect is caused by nonpolar molecules clumping together. Large macromolecules can have hydrophobic sections, which will fold the molecule so they can be close to each other, away from water. Many amino acids in proteins are hydrophobic, helping the proteins obtain their complicated shapes.
Why is the hydrophobicity of the cell surface important?
The hydrophobicity of the cell surface is important in adhesion because hydrophobic interactions tend to increase with an increasing nonpolar nature of one or both surfaces involved (i.e., the microbial cell surface and the substratum surface).
What makes up the structure of a biofilm?
Attachment is a complex process regulated by diverse characteristics of the growth medium, substratum, and cell surface. An established biofilm structure comprises microbial cells and EPS, has a defined architecture, and provides an optimal environment for the exchange of genetic material between cells.
What are nonflagellar appendages that contribute to hydrophobicity?
Fimbriae, i.e., nonflagellar appendages other than those involved in transfer of viral or bacterial nucleic acids (called pili), contribute to cell surface hydrophobicity. Most fimbriae that have been examined contain a high proportion of hydrophobic amino acid residues ( 22 ).
How are biofilm-associated cells differentiated from suspended counterparts?
Biofilm-associated cells can be differentiated from their suspended counterparts by generation of an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, reduced growth rates, and the up- and down- regulation of specific genes. Attachment is a complex process regulated by diverse characteristics of the growth medium, substratum, and cell surface.