Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1038/s41579-022-00791-0
Document Shareable Link
Title (Primary) The biofilm matrix: multitasking in a shared space
Author Flemming, H.-C.; van Hullebusch, E.D.; Neu, T.R.; Nielsen, P.H.; Seviour, T.; Stoodley, P.; Wingender, J.; Wuertz, S.
Source Titel Nature Reviews Microbiology
Year 2023
Department FLOEK
Volume 21
Issue 1
Page From 70
Page To 86
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Supplements https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1038%2Fs41579-022-00791-0/MediaObjects/41579_2022_791_MOESM1_ESM.pdf
Abstract The biofilm matrix can be considered to be a shared space for the encased microbial cells, comprising a wide variety of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), such as polysaccharides, proteins, amyloids, lipids and extracellular DNA (eDNA), as well as membrane vesicles and humic-like microbially derived refractory substances. EPS are dynamic in space and time and their components interact in complex ways, fulfilling various functions: to stabilize the matrix, acquire nutrients, retain and protect eDNA or exoenzymes, or offer sorption sites for ions and hydrophobic substances. The retention of exoenzymes effectively renders the biofilm matrix an external digestion system influencing the global turnover of biopolymers, considering the ubiquitous relevance of biofilms. Physico-chemical and biological interactions and environmental conditions enable biofilm systems to morph into films, microcolonies and macrocolonies, films, ridges, ripples, columns, pellicles, bubbles, mushrooms and suspended aggregates — in response to the very diverse conditions confronting a particular biofilm community. Assembly and dynamics of the matrix are mostly coordinated by secondary messengers, signalling molecules or small RNAs, in both medically relevant and environmental biofilms. Fully deciphering how bacteria provide structure to the matrix, and thus facilitate and benefit from extracellular reactions, remains the challenge for future biofilm research.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=26306
Flemming, H.-C., van Hullebusch, E.D., Neu, T.R., Nielsen, P.H., Seviour, T., Stoodley, P., Wingender, J., Wuertz, S. (2023):
The biofilm matrix: multitasking in a shared space
Nat. Rev. Microbiol. 21 (1), 70 - 86 10.1038/s41579-022-00791-0