Bacteria/Material Interfaces: Role of the Material and Cell Wall Properties

Abstract

Most of the implant-associated infections are attributed to bacteria adhering to biomaterial surfaces as “biofilm” communities. Bacterial transport, first contact with the surface as well as some of the further developments can be considered and can be described using physical–chemical concepts. However, far from simple colloidal particles, bacteria have various macromolecular structures at their cell wall surface for interacting with their surroundings through specific and non-specific bindings. They are also able to modify composition and features of their cell wall in response to specific surrounding conditions. Therefore, bacteria/surface material interface is a complex topic, involving chemical and physical–chemical characteristics of both material surface and bacterial cell wall, as well as biological characteristics of bacteria. Furthermore, proteins and other biomolecules coming from surrounding medium influence the bacteria/material interface by adsorbing onto the material surface prior to any adhesion of bacteria. Finally, bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation phenomena occur at the same time as eukaryotic cell adhesion in an acute competition for adhering to and colonising the biomaterial surface. Therefore, developing biomaterials able to favour cell adhesion without promoting also bacterial adhesion appears still to be a challenge. In this article, we describe briefly the common development and particularities of biofilms before focusing on what for and whether bacterial features and material surface properties are likely to be involved in bacterial adhesion, the first step in biofilm formation. The influence of adsorbed biomolecules at the bacteria/material interface is finally addressed, as well as the current knowledge about the competition between bacteria and eukaryotic cells.