Evaluating protein attraction and adhesion to biomaterials with the atomic force microscope.

Failure of implanted biomaterials is commonly due to nonspecific protein adsorption, which in turn causes adverse reactions such as the formation of fibrous capsules, blood clots, or bacterial biofilm infections. Current research efforts have focused on modifying the biomaterial interface to control protein reactions. Designing biomaterial interfaces at the molecular level, however, requires an experimental technique that provides detailed, dynamic information on the forces involved in protein adhesion.

Role of capsular colanic acid in adhesion of uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

Urinary tract infections are the most common urologic disease in the United States and one of the most common bacterial infections of any organ system. Biofilms persist in the urinary tract and on catheter surfaces because biofilm microorganisms are resistant to host defense mechanisms and antibiotic therapy. The first step in the establishment of biofilm infections is bacterial adhesion; preventing bacterial adhesion represents a promising method of controlling biofilms.