Abstract: The present invention relates in the first aspect to the use of aurintricarboxylic acids, derivatives, oligo- or polymers or salts, for inhibiting adherence and colonisation of microorganisms, like bacteria, on surfaces, in particular for use in mammals. That is, it has been recognized that aurintricarboxylic acids and derivatives thereof are suitable for inhibiting adherence and colonisation of mucosa, in particular, nasal mucosa. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing adherence of microorganisms, like bacteria, to a surface comprising the step of treating the surface with aurintricarboxylic acids, derivatives, or salts thereof. Finally, the present invention relates the use of aurintricarboxylic acids, derivatives or salts for preventing adherence of bacterial pathogens, in particular, of the genus Staphylococcus on surfaces.