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Bile Salt-induced Biofilm Formation in Enteric Pathogens: Techniques for Identification and Quantification
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Matrix exopolysaccharides; the sticky side of biofilm formation

Eve Maunders, Martin Welch1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Hopkins Building, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK. Tel: +44 01223 333653;

FEMS Microbiology Letters
|June 13, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms protective biofilms in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, hindering antibiotic treatment. Understanding biofilm regulation, particularly exopolysaccharide roles, may reveal new therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • * Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen frequently causing chronic infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.
  • * Biofilms protect P. aeruginosa from antibiotics and host immunity, making eradication difficult in CF airways.
  • * Cyclic-di-GMP is a known regulator of biofilm formation, but its downstream effectors remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review the role of exopolysaccharides in P. aeruginosa biofilm development.
  • * To summarize current knowledge on P. aeruginosa biofilm regulation, focusing on CF infections.
  • * To highlight potential new drug targets for combating chronic P. aeruginosa infections.

Main Methods:

  • * Literature review of studies on P. aeruginosa biofilm formation.
  • * Analysis of the regulatory mechanisms controlling biofilm development.
  • * Focus on exopolysaccharide contributions and cyclic-di-GMP signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • * Exopolysaccharides are crucial components of the P. aeruginosa biofilm matrix.
  • * Cyclic-di-GMP signaling influences biofilm architecture and stability.
  • * Specific regulatory pathways controlling biofilm formation are being elucidated.

Conclusions:

  • * Elucidating biofilm regulatory networks is critical for developing effective treatments.
  • * Targeting exopolysaccharide synthesis or regulation could be a viable therapeutic strategy.
  • * Further research into P. aeruginosa biofilm formation is essential for managing chronic infections in CF.
Keywords:
Pseudomonas aeruginosabiofilm: exopolysaccharidesc-di-GMPcystic fibrosismatrix polysaccharide

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