Effect of energy source, salt concentration and loading force on colloidal interactions between Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans cells and mineral surfaces

- Distinct retraction patterns of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans grown with different energy sources were observed.
- Interaction forces between A. ferrooxidans and minerals with bacterial probes were quantified.
- The conformation of surface biopolymers was affected by salt concentration.