Surface modifying substances that reduce apparent yeast cell hydrophobicity.

Objective: To determine whether several topical compounds and other chemical entities are able to diminish the surface hydrophobicity of yeast cells.

Method: Hydrophobicity of yeast cells was determined by binding styrene microspheres to the surface of untreated yeast or yeast pre-incubated with various substances with potential for cell surface modification. The degree of microsphere adherence to yeast cells was measured by flow cytometry.

Evaluation of relative yeast cell surface hydrophobicity measured by flow cytometry.

Objective: To develop an efficient method for evaluating cell surface hydrophobicity and to apply the method to demonstrate the effects of fungal growth conditions on cell surface properties.

Methods: Yeast isolates were suspended in phosphate-buffered saline and mixed with deep blue-dyed polystyrene microspheres. Flow cytometry was used to detect the degree of microsphere binding to yeast cells.