Progress on the application of surface free energy to the adhesion of environmental microorganisms

Abstract:

The use and control of microbial adhesion in environmental area have been received greater attention from researchers. Microbial cell surface free energy, as one of cell surface properties, has important influence on adhesion behavior of microorganisms. This article highlights the role of surface free energy on microbial adhesion through thermodynamic approach, Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey- Overbeek (DLVO) theory and extended DLVO (XDLVO). Based on these theories, the characterization method of microbial surface free energy calculated from contact angle and its influencing factors are introduced. Besides, it analyses the distribution feature of microbial surface free energy, its components and its relationship with substances composition. Finally, this review summarizes the application of surface free energy in environmental microorganisms’ adhesion, including adhesion on solid substrates, liquid substrates and adhesion between microorganisms according to adhesion substrates. Feature research should pay more attention to the standard characterization method of environmental microorganisms’ surface free energy and its application in complex circumstances.

Key words:Environmental microorganisms, Surface free energy, Microbial adhesion, DLVO theory