Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Biomimetic Materials to Characterize Bacteria-host Interactions
Published on: November 16, 2015
Preventing bacterial adhesion to skin by altering their physicochemical cell surface properties specifically
Xavier Janvier1, Severine Jansen1, Charleyne Prenom1
1L'Oréal Research & Innovation, Chevilly-Larue, France.
Abstract:
The adhesion of bacteria to surfaces is associated with physicochemical and biological interactions. The present investigations provide new results about the differential adhesion levels of skin bacteria using a representative 3D skin model which mainly relies on the different physicochemical properties of the respective surfaces. Modulation of the adhesion of bacteria and thus their colonization, may occur by adjusting the physicochemical properties of the epidermal and bacterial surfaces. Lewis acid and hydrophobicity were the most strongly correlated parameters with the antiadhesion properties of the tested compounds. Modulation of physicochemical properties appears to be the primary driver of reduced Staphylococcus aureus adhesion in this study, with no significant changes observed in the expression of genes associated with classical adhesion pathways.
Related Concept Videos
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Adherens Junctions
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Bacterial Signaling
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Physicochemical Parameters
Enhanced drug absorption can be achieved by reducing particle sizes and increasing surface areas, thereby facilitating...
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...

