[Relation of hydrophobicity index of microbial cells to their biofilm-forming ability]

By examining cell adhesion to n-hexadecane the hydrophobicity index of S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa was measured. It has been established that the increase in the hydrophobicity of the microbial cells reduces their ability to form a biofilm. It is shown that the divalent metal ions are capable of increasing the hydrophobicity index of microbial cells and reducing biofilm formation. It is concluded that it is necessary to use materials with a negatively charged surface for biofilm preventive measures.