This study revealed the kinetics and mechanisms of polysaccharide adsorption-desorption and self-assembly at hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces; these interactions ultimately resulted in the formation of hydrophobic organo-mineral associations. Results show goethite's adsorption capacity and binding strength are higher than for the diamond. Contact angle measurements indicate the hydrophilic surface (goethite) becomes hydrophobic upon organic polymer adsorption whereas the hydrophobic surface (diamond) remains hydrophobic at high levels of organic polymer adsorption. The structure of self-assembled polysaccharide residues vary as a function of surface loading and time due to the formation of inter-and intra-molecular H-bonds.