Physical methods for characterization of microbial surfaces |
| |
Authors: | C Krekeler H Ziehr J Klein |
| |
Institution: | GBF, Gesellschaft für Biotechnologische Forschung, Braunschweig, Federal Republic of Germany. |
| |
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. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|