Degree Of Hydrophobicity Research Articles

Biphasic Coacervation Controlled by Kinetics as Studied by De Novo-Designed Peptides.

Coacervation is generally treated as a liquid-liquid phase separation process and is controlled mainly by thermodynamics. However, kinetics could make a dominant contribution, especially in systems containing multiple interactions. In this work, using peptides of (XXLY)6SSSGSS to tune the charge density and the degree of hydrophobicity, as well as to introduce secondary structures, we evaluated the effect of kinetics on biphasic coacervates formed by peptides with single-stranded oligonucleotides and quaternized dextran at varying pH values. Only in the case where the charge density is constant and the electrostatic interaction is the major driving force for Coacervation is the effect of kinetics negligible. When pH-dependent electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic interaction are involved or the peptides form secondary structures, the Coacervation process is then path-dependent, indicating that the kinetics controls the phase separation process. The Coacervation by combining two different peptides suggests that the peptide with a higher charge density plays a leading role in the early stage, while the cooperation of both peptides takes over afterward. Our work demonstrates that it is normal to observe coacervates with different morphologies and functions due to kinetic control, especially in living cells. Peptides with minimized sequences are a practical approach to reveal the mechanism of Coacervation processes controlled by kinetics.

ADSORPTION PROCESS OF PESTICIDE ON SWCNT FUNCTIONALIZED AND CROSSLINKED WITH CHITOSAN USING PM3 SEMI-EMPIRICAL METHOD AND MONTE CARLO SIMULATION

In this work, using the PM3 semi-empirical method, the oxidation of the single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) was studied by sulfuric and nitric acid for the incorporation of carbonyl (C=O), phenol (OH) and carboxylic (COOH) groups in the C=C bonds present on the surface of the nanotube. Subsequently, the crosslinking of the oxidized SWCNT (SWCNTox) and chitosan (Q) was observed through hydrogen bonds of the C=O and OH bonds with 2.34 Å, the process was endothermic and soluble in polar solvents due to the presence of OH and NH groups in the structure of SWCNTox/Q. The Monte Carlo modeling allowed to study the adsorption of pesticides in the SWCNTox/Q at different temperatures, where the QSAR (quantitative structure activity relationship) properties allowed predicting the behavior of the pesticides, that is, the degree of hydrophobicity (log P) and accessible surface area (ASA) were important parameters in the evaluation of SWCNTox/Q as an adsorbent and surface interacting with pesticides respectively. Finally, the adsorption was a physisorption process due to the electronegativity of the CO, OH, NH2, NH and C=O bonds.

Stable nanobubbles on ordered water monolayer near ionic model surfaces

Abstract The stable nanobubbles adhered to mineral surfaces may facilitate their efficient separation via flotation in the mining industry. However, the state of nanobubbles on mineral solid surfaces is still elusive. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are employed to examine mineral-like model surfaces with varying degrees of hydrophobicity, modulated by surface charges, to elucidate the adsorption behavior of nanobubbles at the interface. Our findings not only contribute to the fundamental understanding of nanobubbles but also have potential applications in the mining industry. We observed that as the surface charge increases, the contact angle of the nanobubbles increases accordingly with shape transformation from a pancake-like gas film to a cap-like shape, and ultimately forming a stable nanobubble upon an ordered water monolayer. When the solid–water interactions are weak with a small partial charge, the hydrophobic gas (N2) molecules accumulate near the solid surfaces. However, we have found, for the first time, that gas molecules assemble a nanobubble on the water monolayer adjacent to the solid surfaces with large partial charges. Such phenomena are attributed to the formation of a hydrophobic water monolayer with a hydrogen bond network structure near the surface.

Foliar water uptake and phyllosphere microbe colonization increase under higher soil nitrogen availability

Leaf water uptake (FWU) represents an alternative pathway to plant water acquisition that can have positive effects on water and carbon balance. Leaf surface traits including the phyllosphere microbes can affect the leaf wetness capacity and FWU. These functional and structural leaf traits could change depending on soil resources availability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the responses of FWU and leaf surface traits such as contact angle, water drop adhesion (LWA) and phyllosphere-associated microbiota to soil nitrogen addition. Three dominant plant species, Azorella prolifera, Senecio filaginoides, and Papostippa speciosa, of an arid steppe in Patagonia exposed to nitrogen (+N) and nitrogen plus water (+NW) addition for ten years were selected. Leaf contact angle did not exhibit statistical differences among treatments within species. LWA was higher in all treatments with respect to the control (C) for shrub A. prolifera and grass P. speciosa. Nitrogen addition increased significantly FWU in A. prolifera and in P. speciosa with respect to C. Colony-forming units of culturable microorganisms (CFU) on leaf surface responded to N addition, but the changes were statistically significant in S. filaginoides and P. speciosa in +NW, increasing three and eight times, respectively, in relation to the C. A positive linear relationship was found between FWU and LWA across species and treatments. On the other hand, CFU of phyllosphere was negative and exponentially correlated with LWA and FWU, across species and treatments. The results suggest that soil N enrichment could affect functional leaf traits and phyllosphere microbiota in a way that may confer a higher potential to cope with drought by facilitating the use of alternative water sources. On the other hand, we suggested that species with leaves more colonized have less surface exposed for FWU and could have lower wettability depending on the hydrophobicity degree of microbes. However, a higher cover of epiphyte’s microorganisms could compensate the effects of lower FWU by avoiding the leaf dehydration. This study contributes to a better understanding of plant leaf-microbe interactions under higher N atmospheric deposition and intensive fertilization as global agricultural production is expected to increase.

Investigation on surface properties of lasertextured Ti-6Al-4V ELI biomaterial

Abstract In this paper, a thorough analysis of nanosecond laser texturing on Ti-6A1-4V ELI material was carried out, with a particular emphasis on the modulation of laser process parameters and their effects on surface morphology, elemental composition, microscale topographical features, and wettability. The laser-textured samples exhibit unique surface morphologies that were identified by different topographical metrics such as average surface roughness (Sa), surface development ratio (Sdr), peak-to-peak distance (dp), and peak-to-valley height (hp) along parallel and perpendicular to laser scanning directions. The energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to examine the differences in elemental composition and crystallographic constitution of the samples revealed using the x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Further contact angle measurement in both the parallel and perpendicular directions revealed the hydrophobicity of the laser-textured surfaces. Out of 4 samples, LT-2 and LT-4 samples displayed noticeably larger contact angles, demonstrating a high degree of hydrophobicity in both directions. Improved hydrophobicity of the textured surfaces may lead to reduced bacterial attachment, whereas anisotropic surface features at the microscale may provide contact guidance to osteoblast cells, opening up avenues for regenerative tissue engineering on biomaterial interfaces.

Studying the Feasibility of Creating Anisotropic Highly Hydrophobic Polymer Surfaces by Ion-Track Technology

In the last two decades, the creation and research of superhydrophobic nanomaterials based on the “lotus effect” have attracted great interest. The effect is caused by the heterogeneous wetting of rough surfaces, when the grooves of a rough surface are filled with air (vapour) and water only contacts the tops of the protrusions. The drop forms a sphere on the surface and, if slightly inclined, rolls down and picks up the dirt particles. A wide variety of methods have been developed to produce such materials, among which potential of the ion track technology (ITT) is being explored. The aim of this research was to investigate the wettability of surface microrelief using two materials with different initial hydrophobicity degrees. By modifying the surface of polycarbonate and polypropylene films using the ITT, the samples with water contact angles of 140 ± 5° and 151 ± 5° at maximum, respectively, were obtained. It is shown that such angles are characteristic of microrelief, where the fraction f of the surface that is in contact with the droplet is decreased to the range 0 f 0.3. In order to increase the probability of droplets rolling down the material surface in a certain direction, the materials with inclined microrelief were obtained. In this case, the wettability becomes anisotropic. The droplet loses its spherical shape, deforming in the direction of inclination of needle-like surface elements. It was found that the anisotropy of wettability is higher at an inclination angle of the relief elements of 45° than that at 30° (relative to the flat surface).

Plasma Carbonization of Sustainable Lignin Fiber‐Derived Papers for Supercapacitor Electrodes

AbstractThe majority of carbon materials on the market are produced from polyacrylonitrile precursor fibers using high‐temperature oven processes. Despite approaches for green carbon fiber precursors, current stabilization and carbonization processes require large amounts of energy and render carbon materials costly and environmentally not sustainable. Here, a plasma carbonization treatment is employed for papers made from lignin/polyvinylpyrrolidone precursor fibers. The process provides carbonization within a timeframe of a few seconds, while the degrees of porosity, conductivity, and hydrophobicity can be tuned. It is shown that the properties of these carbonized papers are suitable for application as supercapacitor electrodes with capacitances in the range of 40 mF g−1 with very good cycling stability dropping by less than 20% over 4000 cycles.

FUNCTIONAL OPTICAL MATERIALS BASED ON AEROGELS

Sol-chemistry is an efficient physico-chemical method for the preparation of porous glassy or nanocrystalline materials with tailored electrical, thermal or optical properties. This paper focuses on the dependence preparation–structure-properties of hydrophobic silica aerogel granules, powders and composites with a potential application as optical materials. Using the technique of subcritical preparation of silica aerogel powders, multicolour emitting composites containing Eu(phen)2(NO3 )3 or Tb(phen)2(NO3 )3 nanocrystals are obtained and characterized with luminescence spectroscopy, quantum yield determination and texture measurements. A dependence of the luminescence quantum yield on the degree of hydrophobicity α of the silica aerogel powders is described.

Synthesis, Characterization, Photocatalytic and Self Cleaning Behaviour of Sepiolite-Supported CdFe2O4 Nanocomposite

This study employed the hydrothermal co-precipitation approach to synthesize several natural clay-sepiolite supported cadmium ferrite (CdFe2O4) photocatalysts with different weight percentages of sepiolite (3, 5, 9 wt.%). Several techniques were used to characterize the sepiolite/CdFe2O4 composite like photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and BET surface area analysis. The results showed that improved CdFe2O4 with 5 wt.% sepiolite had superior photocatalytic activity than undoped CdFe2O4 in eliminating azo dye rhodamine-B when exposed to solar light. The sandwich-like microstructure is shown loosely clustering together in FE-SEM images, with an average particle size of about 50 nm. Moreover, the BET results showed that sepiolite/CdFe2O4 has a larger surface area than undoped CdFe2O4. CdFe2O4, supported by sepiolite, remarkably indicated good photocatalytic activity for up to four applications in a row. Sepiolite/CdFe2O4 is characterized by a high degree of hydrophobicity, as shown by a contact angle of 108.3º and this hydrophobic property is useful for making materials that clean themselves.

Improving the Efficiency of Submersible Multistage Pumps Based on the Hydrophobization of the Flow Part Surfaces

The paper presents an experimental study of an assembly of five stages of an electric centrifugal pump (ECP) installation, the flow part of which is modified according to the principles of biomimetics, namely using the “lotus leaf effect”. The object of the study was a 5A-35 ECP. The surfaces of the blade systems of impellers and guide devices of stages 5 A-35 were hydrophobized using the method of applying surfactant layers. The degree of impellers hydrophobicity was estimated by the wetting angle average value measured by three drops at three different points on the impeller surface. The impellers surface roughness under study was determined by the arithmetic mean profile deviation Ra and the profile height irregularities Rz. The issues related to the surfactant coating modification effect salt deposition and corrosion were studied. For this purpose, the surfaces of the original and modified impellers were subjected to intensive forced salt deposition as a result of prolonged exposure to saline solution. The conclusion about the samples corrosion resistance degree was made by changing their mass, which was due to the salt deposits formation during 15 hours of stay in solution, as well as using the drop method. Both methods have shown that the surfactant coating can serve as a salt deposition inhibitor, and the pump impeller modified by it has increased corrosion resistance. Thus, during comparative tests, a smaller mass of salt was deposited on the modified impeller sample during 15 hours of exposure in saturated saline solution than on the original sample. This indicates that the surfactant layer prevents the salt deposits fixation on the working surfaces of the pump stage. On the modified sample examined by the drop method, the indicator color changed in 20 minutes, and on the original one – in 2 minutes. Experimental studies have been carried out, during which the operation energy parameters of a five stages 5A-35 pumping package with initial and modified surfactant-coated impellers have been determined. The studies have shown a 2 % increase in efficiency in the pum-ping package of stages with modified impellers. The results of the study can be useful in the oil production, chemical industry, as well as in the housing and communal services sector.

Impact of forest fire severity on soil physical and chemical properties in pine and scrub forests in high Andean zones of Peru

Forest fires are the main threat to ecosystems and human life. The frequency, seasonality, extent and severity of fires affect ecosystems and the physical and chemical properties of the soil by direct (heating) and indirect (ash) effects. This could affect biodiversity and forest residency in the face of climate change. In this study, we evaluated the impact of fire severity on soil physical and chemical properties caused by forest fires in a high Andean area of Peru. For this purpose, the severity levels, the degree of hydrophobicity, and the physical and chemical properties of the soil were analyzed by sampling in affected areas (Pinus radiata D. Don plantation and shrubland) and unaffected areas. The results showed a very low severity in soil components, with a strong hydrophobicity, more persistent in the forest plantation area than in the shrubland. The physical properties of the soil did not show variations; however, in the Pinus plantations they showed variations in their chemical properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, nitrogen and cation exchange capacity compared to areas not affected by the forest fires. Likewise, in the study area an adequate regeneration process was evidenced; in fact, it is important to apply mechanisms to accelerate the restoration of the vegetation cover and the physical and chemical quality of the vegetation.

Nanomedicine Strategies Utilizing Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Liver Cancer Therapy: Exploring Signaling Pathways and Therapeutic Modalities.

Liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, following pancreatic cancer. The 5-year overall survival rate for HCC remains relatively low. Currently, there are multiple treatment options available for HCC, including systemic drugs, minimally invasive local therapies such as radiofrequency ablation, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and arterial radioembolization (TARE), as well as surgical interventions like liver resection or transplantation. However, the effectiveness of drug delivery to the cancerous liver is hindered by pathophysiological changes in the organ. In order to address this challenge, lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising platforms for delivering a diverse range of therapeutic drugs. LNPs offer various structural configurations that enhance their physical stability and enable them to accommodate different types of cargo with varying mechanical properties and degrees of hydrophobicity. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the current applications of LNPs in the development of anti-HCC therapies. By examining the existing research, we aim to shed light on the potential future directions and advancements in this field.

Light-curable urushiol enhanced bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate dentin bonding agent

ObjectivesThe low durability of composite resin restorations can be attributed to the degradation of the resin dentin bonding interface. Owing to the presence of hydrophilic components in the adhesive, the integrity of the resin dentin bonding interface is easily compromised, which, in turn, leads to a reduction in bond strength. The hydrophilic nature of the adhesive leads to water sorption, phase separation, and leaching of the resin component. Therefore, hydrophobic adhesives could effectively be used to stabilize the integrity and durability of the resin dentin bonding interface. MethodsWe synthesized a novel hydrophobic dentin adhesive by partially replacing bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA) with a light-curable urushiol monomer. The properties of the produced adhesive, including the degree of conversion, viscosity, contact angle, water sorption/solubility, and mechanical strength, were comprehensively examined and compared to those of the commercially adhesive Adper Single Bond2 as a positive control. The adhesive properties were determined using microtensile bond strength measurements, laser confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy observations, and nanoleakage tests. Finally, the novel adhesive was subjected to biocompatibility testing to determine its potential cytotoxicity. ResultsAt a light-curable urushiol content of 20 %, the synthesized adhesive exhibited high degrees of conversion and hydrophobicity, low cytotoxicity, good mechanical properties, and outstanding adhesive strength. ConclusionsThe introduction of the light-curable urushiol into dentin adhesives can significantly enhance their hydrophobic, mechanical, and bonding properties, demonstrating potential to significantly improve restoration longevity. Clinical significanceThe integration of light-curable urushiol has endowed the experimental adhesives with several enhanced functionalities. These notable benefits underscore the suitability of this monomer for expanded applications in clinical practice.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan-modified membrane for urea slow-release fertilizers

BackgroundUrea is a fertilizer widely used by farmers, especially vegetable farmers, due to its high nitrogen content, around 46 %. However, plants only use a small amount of nitrogen, a maximum of 35 %, while the remaining nitrogen is wasted and released into the environment. Undeniably, it causes increases production costs and environmental problems. A slow-release urea fertilizer (SRF) has been formulated to resolve these issues. MethodsIn this study, the membrane was made of chitosan with several crosslinking agents such as Tripolyphosphate (TPP). In addition, calcium ion bonds are expected to increase the interaction with urea fertilizer through the encapsulation process. The resultsOur data showed that urea slow-release fertilizer (SRF) with the chitosan/TPP/Ca membrane, was successfully synthesized. This membrane has the characteristics of a thin white layer that is transparent. The physical and chemical characterization of SRF membranes with various coating membrane variations showed that the chitosan/TPP/Ca-urea membrane has Young's modulus of 7.75–22.05 N/mm2, swelling of 109.52–132.62 % and porosity of 0.756–1.06 %. Functional group analysis shows that several spectral changes indicate the presence of crosslinking process between the chitosan functional groups and TPP. The urea release results show that the membrane is released through a diffusion mechanism. Furthermore, SEM results show that these membranes have pores with various shapes and sizes. ConclusionBased on the result, it can be concluded that chitosan membrane modification with the addition of TPP and calcium oxide provides improved membrane characteristic cs including degree of development, hydrophobicity, membrane stress, and nitrogen release on the membrane. This membrane shows is indicating suitability as a slow-release fertilizer.

Photophysical Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of α-Mangostin-Loaded HDL Mimetic Nano-Complex in LN-229 Glioblastoma Spheroid Model.

Cytotoxic activity has been reported for the xanthone α-mangostin (AMN) against Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive malignant brain cancer with a poor prognosis. Recognizing that AMN's high degree of hydrophobicity is likely to limit its systemic administration, we formulated AMN using reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) nanoparticles. The photophysical characteristics of the formulation, including fluorescence lifetime and steady-state anisotropy, indicated that AMN was successfully incorporated into the rHDL nanoparticles. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the fluorescent characteristics of AMN with an HDL-based drug carrier. Cytotoxicity studies in a 2D culture and 3D spheroid model of LN-229 GBM cells and normal human astrocytes showed an enhanced therapeutic index with the rHDL-AMN formulation compared to the unincorporated AMN and Temozolomide, a standard GBM chemotherapy agent. Furthermore, treatment with the rHDL-AMN facilitated a dose-dependent upregulation of autophagy and reactive oxygen species generation to a greater extent in LN-229 cells compared to astrocytes, indicating the reduced off-target toxicity of this novel formulation. These studies indicate the potential therapeutic benefits to GBM patients via selective targeting using the rHDL-AMN formulation.

Modulating the morphology and protonation degree of chitosan coatings for enabling controlled fabric functionalization

Chitosan (CS), a versatile biopolymer known for its diverse bioactivity, is commonly used as a coating or finishing agent to enhance fabric performance and broaden their applications. However, conventional methods for introducing CS coating layer on the fabrics often relies on using composition to control their functionality, limiting the ability to tailor properties for specific needs. In this study, we introduce an innovative coating platform utilizing drying, ionic gelation, or a combination of both to control the morphology and amino-protonation degree of CS. This approach allows the development of three distinct functional CS coatings from the same material composition. The method is effectively applied to cotton and polylactic acid (PLA)-based non-woven fabrics, preserving the permeability, breathability, and mechanical properties of the substrates. By varying processing conditions, it is found that CS coatings can impart distinct functions to the fabrics upon their morphology, such as attaining high degree of hydrophobicity (with a water contact angle reaching 129°), broad-spectrum antibacterial activity (>99.99 %) for the sample prepared by combined drying and ionic gelation methods. Additionally, our CS-coated fabrics can exhibit good biocompatibility, as demonstrated by cytocompatibility and histocompatibility evaluations, while excellent anti-adhesive properties and healing performance in infected wound models in rats can be obtained with the presence of CS microsphere. Our methods are straightforward and potentially scalable, enabling modular control over the functionality of CS-coated fabrics to meet diverse requirements. This work offers a promising strategy for modifying fabric properties with CS coatings, making it suitable for various applications such as facial masks, dressings, and antibacterial textiles.

Biodegradable gelatin/pectin films containing cellulose nanofibers and biguanide polymers: Characterization and application in sweet cherry packaging

To expand the utilization of gelatin and pectin derived from agricultural by-products, the composite films composed of gelatin, citrus pectin, cellulose nanofibers (CNF), and polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB) were prepared through the solvent casting method. Fourier infrared spectroscopy analysis verified the successful integration of CNF and PHMB into the gelatin-pectin matrix. The incorporation of CNF as a reinforcing agent substantially enhanced the barrier capabilities of the composite film. Moreover, the addition of PHMB, functioning as an antimicrobial agent, not only granted the film with antibacterial properties but also improved its physical characteristics and biodegradability. A water contact angle experiment revealed the film presented a certain degree of hydrophobicity. The optimal performances were attained with a composition in which CNF and PHMB constituted 8 % and 3 %, respectively, of the total weight of gelatin and pectin. As a packaging film, the composite film demonstrated its effectiveness by reducing the decay index and weight loss rate of sweet cherries during a 12-day storage period. In the soil degradation test, the composite film exhibited notable structural degradation by the 16th day. Consequently, the composite film will be used as an innovative and biodegradable packaging material to provide a sustainable solution for food packaging industries.

Impact of Humic Substances on Alleviation of Soil Salinity and the Enhancement of Plant Productivity: a review

Humic substances (HS) are a major component of organic matter in soil, and they have long been recognized for their ability to promote plant growth in a sustainable manner. Recently, there has been a lot of effort put into using multiple approaches to study the connection between the chemical structure of HS compounds and their effect on plant biological processes. Positive physiological responses at the local and systemic levels have been linked to the presence of specific functional groups in HS. Hormone-like signaling pathways are responsible for eliciting these reactions. This review was written with one goal in mind: to help readers gain a firm grasp on the research surrounding the application of HSs. The spatial arrangement of hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, as well as the dosage, source, molecular size, degree of hydrophobicity, and aromaticity, all contribute significantly to HS's biological efficacy. Therefore, our hypothesis explains the beneficial effect of HS in salt-affected rhizospheres, likely attributed to both direct and indirect influences on plant metabolism, soil microorganism metabolism, soil nutrient uptake dynamics, and soil physical conditions. Keywords: Humic substance, germination, salinity, plant growth

Laser‐Induced Porous Graphene/CuO Composite for Efficient Interfacial Solar Steam Generation

AbstractInterfacial solar steam generation can produce clean water in an environmentally friendly and efficient way. The evaporator employing graphene as a photothermal conversion material represents an excellent paradigm within the realm of interfacial evaporators. However, existing graphene materials exhibit a certain degree of hydrophobicity and are associated with intricate manufacturing processes. Hence, the study proposes a hydrophilic composite graphene‐based material incorporating CuO, which is fabricated through a straightforward laser‐induced graphene synthesis method directly onto a polyimide film coated with CuCl2. Due to the fast capillary performance endowed by the enhanced hydrophilicity and hierarchical structural morphology, the assembled laser‐induced‐graphene evaporator achieves an evaporation rate of 2.54 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun irradiation with an evaporation efficiency of 91.1%, while also demonstrating excellent desalination capabilities. The as‐prepared graphene‐based evaporator has significant potential for desalination and wastewater treatment applications, offering an effective solution to address clean water challenges in remote areas.

Adherence of Candida albicans to fibrin-clot matrices in a rat model for type 2 diabetes

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for the development of infective endocarditis and septic thrombosis. Adherence to fibrin clot matrices by Candida albicans is the initial step in initiation of the infective processes. Clots made from lean (Fa/fa) and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rat plasma were used to measure adherence of yeast grown at environmental temperature and human body temperature. Adherence to clots by C. albicans was influenced both by source of plasma and temperature of yeast growth. Amphotericin B was effective in diminishing the candidal binding to lean but not obese clots. The degree of fungal surface hydrophobicity did not correlate with adherence to clots. However, Candida adherence to clots from both lean and obese Zucker rats was inhibited by the pretreatment of cells with mannose. These findings indicate that treatment of thrombi-associated candidal infections with ergosterol-targeting drugs e.g., amphotericin B alone in hypercholesterolemic individuals may have decreased clinically efficacy.