The hydrophobicity of the microbial cell surface is responsible for the various interactions between microorganisms and different surface, and results in the flocculation of microbial cells, their adhesion to liquid or solid materials, and the floatation of microorganisms at the air-water interface. Accordingly, cell surface hydrophobicity is important not only in medicine but in other areas of biotechnology. This article reviews the role of cell surface hydrophobicity and its applications.