Dynamic cell–matrix interactions modulate microbial biofilm and tissue 3D microenvironments

Abstract

Microbial biofilms and most eukaryotic tissues consist of cells embedded in a three-dimensional extracellular matrix. This matrix serves as a scaffold for cell adhesion and a dynamic milieu that provides varying chemical and physical signals to the cells. Besides a vast array of specific molecular components, an extracellular matrix can provide locally heterogeneous microenvironments differing in porosity/diffusion, stiffness, pH, oxygen and metabolites or nutrient levels. Mechanisms of matrix formation, mechanosensing, matrix remodeling, and modulation of cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions and dispersal are being revealed. This perspective article aims to identify such concepts from the fields of biofilm or eukaryotic matrix biology relevant to the other field to help stimulate new questions, approaches, and insights.

Combined DNase and Proteinase Treatment Interferes with Composition and Structural Integrity of Multispecies Oral Biofilms

“…Upon microbial attachment, EPS is produced and keeps microbial cells in close proximity enabling intercellular interactions within the biofilm mass [3]. The EPS matrix also constitutes a mechanically stable and complex chemical microenvironment that is substantial for the biofilm lifestyle [7]. Furthermore, EPS also increases biofilm resistance to diverse antimicrobials and host defenses [8,9].…”

Determination of optimum incubation time for formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes biofilms in microtiter plate

“…Its size is between 0.2 to 1.0 nm (Kokare et al 2009;Nyenje et al 2012Nyenje et al , 2013, and its thickness ranges between 10 and 30 nm (Khan et al 2017). Microbial cells in biofilm are immobilized by EPS (Flemming et al 2016;Koo and Yamada 2016) which then retains the cells closely and leads the forming of synergistic micro consortia (Flemming and Wingender 2010). The formation and maintenance of structured multi-cellular microbial communities in biofilm crucially depends on the quantity of EPS (Janissen et al 2015).…”

Targeting microbial biofilms: current and prospective therapeutic strategies

“…Finally, we contend that treating biofilm infections requires combination therapies or those that target more than one component of the complex biofilm microenvironment, similar to tumouregenesis 8 . Importantly, biofilm infections reflect an interplay between the host and opportunistic pathogens, often within a complex microbiota.…”