Extracellular polymeric substances, a key element in understanding biofilm phenotype

Abstract

One of the key elements in the establishment and maintenance of the biofilm structure and properties is the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix is composed of water and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS): primarily polysaccharides, proteins and DNA. Characterization of the matrix requires component identification, as well as determination of the relative concentration of EPS constituents, including their physicochemical properties and descriptions of their interactions. Several types of experimental approaches with varying degrees of destructiveness can be utilized for this characterization. The analysis of biofilm by infrared spectroscopy gives information about the chemical content of the matrix and the proportions of different EPS. The sensitivity of a biofilm to hydrolytic enzymes targeting different EPS gives insight into the composition of the matrix and the involvement of matrix components in the integrity of the structure. Using both chemical and physical treatments, extraction and purification of EPS from the biofilm also provides a means of determining matrix composition. Purified and/or artificial EPS can be used to obtain artificial matrices and to study their properties. Using examples from the literature, this review will illustrate selected technologies useful in the study of EPS that provide a better understanding of the structure-function relationships in extracellular matrix, and thus the structure-function relationships of the biofilm phenotype.

Experimental Assessment of the Performance of Two Marine Coatings to Curb Biofilm Formation of Microfoulers

“…and P. tunicata biofilms formed on SilRef surfaces showed lower weight and were thinner than those developed on EpoRef surfaces. These results should be interpreted considering that a biofilm is an organized community of aggregated cells, living at an interface between a surface and a liquid phase, and embedded in a self-produced organic polymeric matrix [9] whose behavior is driven by cell-cell, cell-extracellular polymer, and cell-surface interactions [45]. As a consequence of these dynamic interactions, biofilm size, matrix composition, architecture, and cellular physiology can change during biofilm development [46,47].…”

Treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent Using Membrane Bioreactor: Novel Processes and Their Major Drawbacks

“…The most challenging limitation of the MBR treatment method is the membrane fouling which often resulted from the accumulation of foulant(s) such as bio-flocs, colloids, and particulates [65,242,253,254]. Membrane fouling could cause gross deterioration of the system performance in terms of filtration and operational energy utilization, as highlighted earlier.…”

Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Effluents of Different Hospitals Sewage in Biratnagar, Nepal

“…Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) is composed of extracellular polysaccharides, proteins, lipids and DNA. Biofilms may be formed on living or non-living substances by the same species or may be of different species (Martino, 2018). Biofilm provides defense from physical forces, phagocytosis and penetration of antimicrobial, provides microniche so that they can communicate, helps them in gene transfer as well as increased food availability (Stewart et al, 2015).…”