[review] Proteins and bacteria near model organic surfaces in crowded conditions

This review traces biointerface science using SAMs of thiols on gold, from structural characterization to design rules for bio-inertness and the “water barrier” concept. We highlight recent studies in realistic crowded environments, in which fouling surfaces form a viscous interphase protein layer, while hydration barriers on zwitterionic surfaces keep bacteria in a reversible, tethered “hovering” state.

Tomohiro Hayashi, Glenn Villena Latag, Evan Angelo Quimada Mondarte. “Three-Dimensional Behaviors of Protein Molecules and Bacteria near Model Organic Surfaces in Real Crowding Conditions”. Applied Nano (2026).