Orientation and detachment dynamics of Bacillus spores from stainless steel under controlled shear flow: Modelling of the adhesion force

► Spore detachment was characterized under controlled shear flow. ► Spore ability of adhering to stainless steel was affected by surface appendages. ► Adhesion force between spores and stainless steel was modelled. ► Spores tended to re-orientate in the flow direction. ► A significant heterogeneity in spore mobility was observed within the population.