Effects of surfactants on cell surface tension parameters and hydrophobicity of Pseudomonas putida 852 and Rhodococcus erythropolis 3586

► Surfactant usage increased Pseudomonas putida, but lowered Rhodococcus erythropolis, hydrophobicity. ► Rhamnolipid treatment of P. putida released LPS from the cell surface. ► Surfactant treatment changed cell surface tension parameters γLW, γ−and γ+. ► Hydrophobicity correlated with surface electron-donor (γ−) but not γLW or γ+.