Biophysical approaches to study the dynamic process of bacterial adhesion

Recent applications of biophysical techniques to the study of adhesion and biofilm formation are playing an important role in broadening our understanding of bacterial interactions. While non-invasive methods enable measurement of adhesion kinetics in real time, single-cell approaches provide information about adhesion forces mediated by specific cell surface structures. Promising approaches are presented in this review. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All nights reserved.