Influence of pH on yeast immobilization on polystyrene surfaces modified by energetic ion bombardment

► Plasma implantation treatment alters chemistry and surface energy of polystyrene surface. ► The treated surface has negative charge which varies in different pH buffers. ► The hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and electrophoretic mobility of yeast cells are also dependent on pH. ► Electrostatic and hydrophobic forces are used to explain the observed density of yeast attachment.