Particle deposition occurs in numerous natural and industrial systems. Few examples are given below.
* Coatings and surface functionalization. Paints and adhesives often are concentrated suspensions of colloidal particles, and in order to adhere well to the surface the particles must deposit to the surface in question. Deposits of a monolayer of colloidal particles can be used to pattern the surface on a &mu;m or nm scale, a process referred to as colloidal lithography.
* Filters and filtration membranes. When particle deposit to filters or filtration membranes, they lead to pore clogging a membrane fouling. When designing well functioning membranes, particle deposition must be avoided, and proper functionalization of the membranes is essential.
* Deposition of microorganisms. Microorganisms may deposit similarly to colloidal particles. This deposition is a desired phenomenon in subsurface waters, as the aquifer filters out eventually injected microorganisms during the recharge of aquifers. On the other hand, such deposition is highly undesired at the surface of human teeth as it represent the origin of dental plaques. Deposition of microorganisms is also relevant in the formation of biofilms.