Bacterial cell surface properties: Role of loosely bound extracellular polymeric substances (LB-EPS)

- Infrared absorption peaks of intact and LB-EPS free cells were identical.
- The total acidic functional group concentrations of intact bacteria were higher.
- Some cell surface functional groups were exposed after LB-EPS removal.
- Electrophoretic mobilities of intact and treated cells showed no differences.
- Four LB-EPS free bacteria exhibited smaller hydrophobicities than intact cells.