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Journal of Biomaterials Applications
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Bacterial Polymers: Physicochemical Aspects of Their Interactions at Interfaces

Thomas R. Neu

School of Microbiology University of New South Wales P.O. Box 1 Kensington, N.S.W. 2033, Australia

Kevin C. Marshall

School of Microbiology University of New South Wales P.O. Box 1 Kensington, N.S.W. 2033, Australia

How do bacteria stick to a surface? There is still not enough information about to answer this question especially at the molecular level. This question only gives rise to more questions. What is the structure of the true adhesive bacterial polymer? Is only one bacterial polymer or several polymers involved in the adhesion process? What is the role of proteins associated with the bacterial polysaccharides? What type of polymer is produced for the adhesion to hydrophobic surfaces? Is the polymer produced as a response to the surface ?

This review is an attempt to summarize the physicochemical aspects of bacterial polymers and their interaction with surfaces. It was tried to give an overview of the literature published in this field. The article is divided into the following sections: first, the forces involved in bacterial adhesion are described. Second, the theoretical approaches to bacterial adhesion are discussed. Third, different fluid conditions are investigated. Fourth, the nature of different bacterial polymers which are important for the interaction with a surface is elaborated. Fifth, the current knowledge about biological polymers at interfaces is shown. And sixth, the role of polymers in the adhesion of bacteria available to date is highlighted.

Journal of Biomaterials Applications, Vol. 5, No. 2, 107-133 (1990)
DOI: 10.1177/088532829000500203
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