Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1139/w06-146
Title (Primary) In situ evidence for microdomains in the polymer matrix of bacterial microcolonies
Author Lawrence, J.R.; Swerhone, G.D.W.; Kuhlicke, U.; Neu, T.R.
Source Titel Canadian Journal of Microbiology
Year 2007
Department FLOEK
Volume 53
Issue 3
Page From 450
Page To 458
Language englisch
Keywords microdomains; exopolymers; lectin binding; gradients
Abstract Confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescent lectin-binding analyses (FLBA) were used to study the form, arrangement, and composition of exopolymeric substances (EPS) surrounding naturally occurring microcolonies in biofilms. FLBA, using multiple lectin staining and multichannel imaging, indicated that the EPS of many microcolonies exhibit distinct multiple binding regions. A common pattern in the microcolonies is a three zone arrangement with cell-associated, intercellular, and an outer layer of EPS covering the exterior of the colony. Differential binding of lectins suggests that there are differences in the glycoconjugate composition or their arrangement in the EPS of microcolonies. The combination of FLBA with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) indicates that the colonies consist of the major groups, a- and ß-Proteobacteria. It is suggested that the EPS arrangement observed provides a physical structuring mechanism that can segregate extracellular activities at the microscale.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=1995
Lawrence, J.R., Swerhone, G.D.W., Kuhlicke, U., Neu, T.R. (2007):
In situ evidence for microdomains in the polymer matrix of bacterial microcolonies
Can. J. Microbiol. 53 (3), 450 - 458 10.1139/w06-146