Document Detail


The biofilm matrix.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20676145     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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.
Authors:
Hans-Curt Flemming; Jost Wingender
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review     Date:  2010-08-02
Journal Detail:
Title:  Nature reviews. Microbiology     Volume:  8     ISSN:  1740-1534     ISO Abbreviation:  Nat. Rev. Microbiol.     Publication Date:  2010 Sep 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-08-13     Completed Date:  2010-08-26     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101190261     Medline TA:  Nat Rev Microbiol     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  623-33     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Biofilm Centre, University of Duisburg-Essen, Geibelstrasse 41, D-47057 Duisburg, Germany. hc.flemming@uni-due.de
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Archaea / chemistry*,  cytology,  physiology
Bacteria / chemistry*,  cytology
Bacterial Physiological Phenomena
Biofilms*
Biopolymers / chemistry*,  isolation & purification,  metabolism
Fungi / chemistry*,  cytology,  physiology
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Biopolymers

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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