Non-DLVO adhesion of F-specific RNA bacteriophages to abiotic surfaces: Importance of surface roughness, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions

► Hydrophobicity degree and roughness of deposition substrate are quantified. ► Phages used here exhibit similar electrostatic charge but different hydrophobicity. ► Interfacial properties of phages lead to different adhesion capacities. ► Substrate hydrophobicity and roughness impacts phage adhesion at low salt content.