ABSTRACT
In this chapter, an overview of the current understanding of noncovalent interfacial forces in relevant biological aqueous media is given, followed by a more in-depth discussion of initial bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation as a consequence of those interfacial forces. Particular emphasis is given to provide an overview of the existing active and passive antifouling strategies, especially in the light of the tremendous self-association potential of vicinal water. Corresponding test strategies based on the application of mixed bacterial cultures and bioreactors as microbiological test platform to establish a suitable culture environment are presented.
