Bioadhesion - a phenomenon with multiple dimensions

This paper reviews some relevant citations regarding the non-specific force s that must be considered in oral bioadhesive events. These range from forc es related to restorative dentistry to those related to prevention and mole cular biology. Types of interactions discussed are: 1. Van der Waal's force s; 2. electrostatic double-layer forces; 3. solvent-dependent interactions; 4. hydrogen bonding; 5. hydrophobic interactions: 6. hydration forces; 7. steric forces; and 8. covalent bonds. Examples are given of the various typ es of interaction that occur at different surface separation (less than or equal to 400 Angstrom) between adsorbed films of a pure salivary protein fr action (PRP1).