Influence of physicochemical parameters on adsorption of Actinomyces viscosus to hydroxyapatite surfaces.

Adsorption of Actinomyces viscosus strains T14V and T14AV to saliva-treated and untreated hydroxyapatite (HA) under various environmental conditions was studied. Strain T14V adsorption to saliva-treated HA was not influenced by pH, whereas strain T14AV adsorbed in higher numbers under acidic conditions. The addition of cations inhibited adsorption of strains T14V and T14AV to saliva-treated HA. Strain T14V possessed a greater affinity for hydrophobic gels than did strain T14AV, but incorporation of non-ionic detergents, which inhibit hydrophobic interactions, did not influence adsorption of strain T14V to saliva-treated HA. Adsorption of strain T14V to saliva-treated HA increased in the presence of an anionic detergent; however, strain T14AV adsorption was not affected. Strain T14V adsorption decreased in the presence of a cationic detergent, whereas strain T14AV adsorption increased. Collectively, these data suggest that electrostatic interactions, but not hydrophobic interactions, are of major importance in the adsorption of strain T14V to saliva-treated HA.