Adherences

Adherences are the plural form of adherence, referring to the act or state of sticking or attaching. They can describe physical attachment between substances, or a more abstract commitment or fidelity to a principle, cause, or group. The term is often used in science to discuss the property of adherent materials and organisms as well as human behavior.

In biology and medicine, adherence denotes the ability of cells or microorganisms to attach to surfaces, tissues, or each other. Adhesion is mediated by specialized proteins such as adhesins and selectins, integrins, cadherins, and extracellular matrix components. Adherence underpins processes from bacterial colonization and biofilm formation to tissue repair and implant integration. Improper adherence can lead to infection or device failure, while controlled adhesion is exploited in wound dressings and surgical glues.

In healthcare, adherence (often called compliance) refers to the degree to which patients follow prescribed treatment regimens. Poor adherence reduces therapeutic benefit and can drive antimicrobial resistance or disease progression. Factors influencing adherence include regimen complexity, side effects, patient understanding, access to care, and social support.

In materials science and engineering, adhesion describes the attraction between different materials at an interface. Adherent interfaces are desired in joins, coatings, and composites, while unwanted adherence may lead to premature delamination. Adhesion strength is assessed with tests such as peel, shear, or scratch tests, and is affected by surface energy, roughness, cleanliness, and chemical compatibility.

See also: adherence, adhesin, biofilm, medical adherence, dental adhesion.