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Related Concept Videos

EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research01:21

EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research

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Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are excellent models for disease research because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into most cell types. Somatic cells from a patient are isolated and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These iPSCs are later differentiated into the desired cell type, which mirrors the diseased cell of the patient. In this way, disease models have been created for investigating diseases such as Down syndrome, type I diabetes,...
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Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)01:32

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Postsynaptic potential (PSP) refers to a change in the electrical potential of a neuron when neurotransmitters released by presynaptic neurons bind to postsynaptic receptors. This potential can either be excitatory, leading to depolarization and ultimately action potential generation, or inhibitory, leading to hyperpolarization and suppression of the postsynaptic neuron.
There are two types of receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic.
The ionotropic receptor is the membrane protein that has an...
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Extrasensory Perception01:23

Extrasensory Perception

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Extrasensory perception, or ESP, suggests the ability to perceive events beyond the conventional senses of sight, hearing, and touch. Parapsychologists, who research ESP and related psychic phenomena, categorize ESP into three main types: precognition, telepathy, and clairvoyance.
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iPS Cell Differentiation01:22

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The ability of induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs to differentiate into most body cell types has stimulated repair and regenerative medicine research over the past few decades. iPSC-derived blood cells, hepatocytes, beta islet cells, cardiomyocytes, neurons, and other cell types can repair injuries or regenerate damaged tissue in diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells01:19

Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells

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Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own...
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Forced Transdifferentiation01:28

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Transdifferentiation, also known as lineage reprogramming, was first discovered by Selman and Kafatos in 1974 in silkmoths. They observed that the moths’ cuticle-producing cells transformed into salt-producing cells. Many such cases of natural transdifferentiation occur in organisms. In humans, pancreatic alpha cells can become beta cells. In newts, the loss of the eye’s lens causes the pigmented epithelial cells to transdifferentiate into the lens cells.
Artificial...
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Updated: Mar 11, 2026

The Evoked Potential Operant Conditioning System EPOCS: A Research Tool and an Emerging Therapy for Chronic Neuromuscular Disorders
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EPS-Then and Now.

Hans-Curt Flemming1,2,3

  • 1Biofilm Centre, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5, Essen 45141, Germany. hc.flemming@uni-due.de.

Microorganisms
|November 22, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) form the matrix of microbial biofilms, enabling cell adhesion and enhanced stress tolerance. This complex matrix is key to the success of biofilms, the most ubiquitous life form on Earth.

Keywords:
EPSbiofilmsemergent propertiesnutrient acquisitionresistancetolerance

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Ecology

Background:

  • The concept of microbial slime evolved from 19th-century theories to modern understanding of microbial products.
  • Early research in the 1930s and Costerton's 1978 work identified polysaccharides as key matrix components.
  • Subsequent research revealed proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids as major constituents of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).

Approach:

  • Historical review of slime and biofilm research.
  • Analysis of the composition and function of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).
  • Examination of the ecological significance of biofilms.

Key Points:

  • Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) form a complex and dynamic matrix essential for biofilm structure and function.
  • The EPS matrix facilitates cell-to-cell interactions, resource capture, and provides mechanical strength.
  • Biofilms exhibit enhanced tolerance to antimicrobials and environmental stresses due to the EPS matrix.

Conclusions:

  • Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are fundamental to the formation and success of microbial biofilms.
  • Biofilms, structured by EPS, represent the most ubiquitous and successful life form on Earth.
  • Understanding EPS composition and dynamics is crucial for controlling biofilm-related phenomena.