Hydrophobic and electrostatic cell surface properties of blastospores of the entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus

The physicochemical surface properties of blastospores of the entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus were examined. Contact angle measurements were performed on microbial lawns composed of blastospores of P. fumosoroseus to quantify their cell surface energy components. In addition, suspensions of the blastospores were characterized with the microbial adhesion to solvents assay. Zeta potential measurements were used to quantify the surface charge and determine the zero potential of the blastospores. The results show blastospores of P. fumosoroseus are best described as having a basic monopolar surface and classified as hydrophilic. Blastospores are also negatively charged under neutral conditions with an isoelectric point of 3.4.