| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600568 | Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces | 2013 | 6 Pages |
The first step in the biofilm formation is the bacterial attachment to solid surfaces, which is dependent on the bacteria cell surface physico-chemical properties. The purpose of this work was to analyze the effect of pH on the physicochemical cell surface properties of Acinetobacter baumannii by two different methods. The cell surface properties were evaluated using the microbial adhesion to solvents method (MATS) and contact angle measurements (CAM). MATS technique allowed us to enlighten that A. baumannii was hydrophilic at the different values of pH. It was found that at a desired pH of 6.5, the strain presents a maximum and stable value of electron-donor characteristic, while the electron acceptor character increased as the pH increased. Regardless of the methods employed, the obtained results using MATS and CAM confirmed the influence of the pH on the surface physicochemical properties of A. baumannii. The cell surface electron-donor and electron-acceptor character at pH 6.5 was found to be quite similar using both methods.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Microbial adhesion to solvents and contact angle measurements showed the pH effect on A. baumannii physicochemical properties. ► MATS method showed primarily the acceptor/electron donor surface properties of the bacterium as function of pH. ► CAM method at different pH revealed hydrophobic/hydrophilic surface properties and donor/acceptor electron character. ► Both methods show a reasonable correlation on the acid–base character measured by both methods at pH 6.5. ► The physicochemical properties of the A. baumannii surface reveal its ability to adhere on surface as biofilms at pH 6.5.
