The adhesion of bacteria and other microorganisms to non-living and living surfaces is a crucial part of the contamination and infection processes. In fact, the growth of microorganisms on surfaces is the preferred mode of existence. The ability to block adhesion would prevent surface growth.

There are numerous examples of surface growth of microorganisms. Adherence and growth of bacteria such as Escherichia coli on urinary catheters (synthetic tubes that are inserted into the bladder to assist hospitalized patients in removing urine from the body) is a large problem in hospitals. The chance of a urinary tract infection increases by up to10% for each day of catheterization. Neiserria meningitidis, the agent that causes meningitis, relies upon adhesion with host cells. The adhesion of this and many other bacteria, including disease causing Escherichia coli, is mediated by a surface tube-like protein appendage called a pilus.

Other bacterial proteins...