Flagella but not type IV pili are involved in the initial adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 to hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surfaces

- The concomitant role of both abiotic surface wettability and bacterial appendages of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 in the adhesion was examined.
- Flagella increase adhesion on hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces only.
- Design of anti-bioadhesive surfaces must consider the abiotic surface physicochemical properties together with the biological characteristics of the bacterial contaminants.