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Published on: December 4, 2015
Exopolysaccharides in biofilms, flocs and related structures
1Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, Division of Biology, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH9 3JH, UK. i.w.sutherland@ed.ac.uk
Summary
Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are key components in microbial communities like biofilms and flocs. Their physical properties, similar to those from planktonic bacteria, significantly influence the structure and stability of these microbial aggregates.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are major components in microbial aggregates such as biofilms and flocs.
- EPSs exhibit diverse compositions and properties, making generalizations about their structural roles challenging.
- Limited purified EPSs from these communities have been analyzed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) to the structure and stability of microbial aggregates.
- To correlate the physical properties of EPSs with their role in biofilm and floc architecture.
- To understand the relationship between EPSs from aggregated microbes and those from planktonic counterparts.
Main Methods:
- Purification and chemical analysis of exopolysaccharides from biofilms and flocs.
- Characterization of the physical properties of purified exopolysaccharides.
- Comparison of EPSs from aggregated and planktonic microbial communities.
Main Results:
- Polysaccharides isolated from biofilms and flocs share similarities with those produced by planktonic bacteria.
- Physical properties of EPSs were analyzed to understand their contribution to aggregate structure.
- Evidence suggests EPSs play a significant role in the stability of microbial aggregates.
Conclusions:
- The physical properties of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are critical factors in determining the structure and stability of microbial biofilms and flocs.
- EPSs synthesized by aggregated microbes resemble those of their planktonic forms.
- A clearer understanding of EPSs' role in microbial aggregate formation is now possible.
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