Physicochemical Properties and Biofilm Adhesion in Surfaces
Summary
The interaction between microbial cells and abiotic surfaces is governed by a complex interplay of physicochemical properties. Surface hydrophobicity, charge distribution and topography dictate the initial attachment of planktonic cells, while maturation into a biofilm is facilitated by extracellular polymeric substances that anchor and protect the community. Quantitative techniques—contact angle measurements, zeta potential analysis and high‐resolution imaging—map the wettability, electrostatic interactions and micro‐morphology of diverse materials. Insights from these investigations address global challenges in healthcare, food processing and water treatment, where biofilm‐associated infections and fouling incur significant economic and health burdens. By integrating chemical surface treatments, nanoscale patterning and controlled delivery of antimicrobial agents, researchers aim to design surfaces that resist microbial colonisation, mitigate antibiotic resistance risks and enhance the hygiene and longevity of critical infrastructure.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Physicochemical Properties and Biofilm Adhesion in Surfaces publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in physicochemical properties and biofilm adhesion in surfaces across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Hydrophobicity: Tendency of a surface to repel water molecules, influencing microbial adhesion and measured by contact angles.
Contact angle: The angle formed between a liquid droplet and a solid surface, used to quantify wettability.
Biofilm: A structured community of microorganisms encased in a self‐produced extracellular matrix attached to a surface.
Surface topography: The three‐dimensional features and texture of a surface at micro‐ or nanometre scales affecting cell attachment.
Microencapsulation: Technique for enclosing active agents within a protective coating to control release and enhance surface retention.
References
- Surface properties and antibacterial characteristics of polyurethane modified by corona discharge for food processing industry. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies (2024).
- Bacterial Biofilm Growth on 3D-Printed Materials. Frontiers in Microbiology (2021).
- Microencapsulation of carvacrol as an efficient tool to fight Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. PLOS ONE (2022).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.