Journal ArticleDOI
The biofilm matrix
TLDR
The functions, properties and constituents of the EPS matrix that make biofilms the most successful forms of life on earth are described.Abstract:
The microorganisms in biofilms live in a self-produced matrix of hydrated extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that form their immediate environment. EPS are mainly polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids and lipids; they provide the mechanical stability of biofilms, mediate their adhesion to surfaces and form a cohesive, three-dimensional polymer network that interconnects and transiently immobilizes biofilm cells. In addition, the biofilm matrix acts as an external digestive system by keeping extracellular enzymes close to the cells, enabling them to metabolize dissolved, colloidal and solid biopolymers. Here we describe the functions, properties and constituents of the EPS matrix that make biofilms the most successful forms of life on earth.read more
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
Biofilms: an emergent form of bacterial life.
Hans-Curt Flemming,Jost Wingender,Ulrich Szewzyk,Peter D. Steinberg,Scott A. Rice,Staffan Kjelleberg +5 more
TL;DR: The fundamental role of the biofilm matrix is considered, describing how the characteristic features of biofilms — such as social cooperation, resource capture and enhanced survival of exposure to antimicrobials — all rely on the structural and functional properties of the matrix.
Journal ArticleDOI
Biological Roles of Glycans
TL;DR: It is time for the diverse functional roles of glycans to be fully incorporated into the mainstream of biological sciences, as they are no different from other major macromolecular building blocks of life, simply more rapidly evolving and complex.
Journal ArticleDOI
Silver nanoparticles as potential antibacterial agents.
Gianluigi Franci,Annarita Falanga,Stefania Galdiero,Luciana Palomba,Mahendra Rai,Giancarlo Morelli,Massimiliano Galdiero +6 more
TL;DR: This review aims to summarize the emerging efforts to address current challenges and solutions in the treatment of infectious diseases, particularly the use of nanosilver antimicrobials.
Journal ArticleDOI
Targeting microbial biofilms: current and prospective therapeutic strategies.
TL;DR: This Review focuses on current therapeutic strategies and those under development that target vital structural and functional traits of microbial biofilms and drug tolerance mechanisms, including the extracellular matrix and dormant cells.
Journal ArticleDOI
Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles: A surface science insight
TL;DR: In this paper, the main parameters that will affect the surface state of nanoparticles and their influence on antimicrobial efficacy are reviewed and an analysis of several works on Ag NPs activity, observed through the scope of an oxidative Ag+ release.
References
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Journal ArticleDOI
Extraction of extracellular polymers from activated sludge using a cation exchange resin
TL;DR: In this article, the extraction of water soluble extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from activated sludge was investigated, which consisted mainly of protein but also humic compounds, carbohydrates, uronic acids and DNA.
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Extracellular DNA Required for Bacterial Biofilm Formation
TL;DR: Bacterial biofilms are structured communities of cells enclosed in self-produced hydrated polymeric matrix adherent to an inert or living surface that have inherent resistance to antibiotics and host immune attack.
Journal ArticleDOI
Biofilm formation by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans: development, architecture, and drug resistance.
Jyotsna Chandra,Duncan M. Kuhn,Pranab K. Mukherjee,Lois L. Hoyer,Thomas S. McCormick,Mahmoud A. Ghannoum +5 more
TL;DR: The studies described here form the basis for investigations into the molecular mechanisms of Candida biofilm biology and antifungal resistance and provide the means to design novel therapies for biofilm-based infections.
Journal ArticleDOI
The EPS Matrix: The “House of Biofilm Cells”
TL;DR: In response to a suggestion by the Biofilms 2007 organizing committee to hold an evening session on biofilm extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), an exceptionally inspiring event followed contributions by Ken Bayles, Alan Decho, Martina Hausner, Jan Kreft, Thomas Neu, Per Nielsen, Ute Romling,