Bacterial Extracellular Polysaccharides in Biofilm Formation and Function

Dominique H Limoli; Christopher J Jones; Daniel J Wozniak

doi:10.1128/microbiolspec.MB-0011-2014

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Bacterial Extracellular Polysaccharides in Biofilm Formation and Function

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Bacterial Extracellular Polysaccharides in Biofilm Formation and Function

Dominique H Limoli, Christopher J Jones and Daniel J Wozniak

Microbiology spectrum, Vol.3(3), 3.3.29

06/2015

DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.MB-0011-2014

PMCID: PMC4657554

PMID: 26185074

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Abstract

Microbes produce a biofilm matrix consisting of proteins, extracellular DNA, and polysaccharides that is integral in the formation of bacterial communities. Historical studies of polysaccharides revealed that their overproduction often alters the colony morphology and can be diagnostic in identifying certain species. The polysaccharide component of the matrix can provide many diverse benefits to the cells in the biofilm, including adhesion, protection, and structure. Aggregative polysaccharides act as molecular glue, allowing the bacterial cells to adhere to each other as well as surfaces. Adhesion facilitates the colonization of both biotic and abiotic surfaces by allowing the bacteria to resist physical stresses imposed by fluid movement that could separate the cells from a nutrient source. Polysaccharides can also provide protection from a wide range of stresses, such as desiccation, immune effectors, and predators such as phagocytic cells and amoebae. Finally, polysaccharides can provide structure to biofilms, allowing stratification of the bacterial community and establishing gradients of nutrients and waste products. This can be advantageous for the bacteria by establishing a heterogeneous population that is prepared to endure stresses created by the rapidly changing environments that many bacteria encounter. The diverse range of polysaccharide structures, properties, and roles highlight the importance of this matrix constituent to the successful adaptation of bacteria to nearly every niche. Here, we present an overview of the current knowledge regarding the diversity and benefits that polysaccharide production provides to bacterial communities within biofilms.

Bacteria - metabolism

Bacterial Capsules - metabolism

Biofilms - growth & development

Polysaccharides, Bacterial - metabolism

Glucuronic Acid - metabolism

Fructans - metabolism

Alginates - metabolism

Extracellular Matrix - chemistry

Polysaccharides - metabolism

Bacterial Adhesion - physiology

Bacteria - pathogenicity

Hexuronic Acids - metabolism

Cellulose - metabolism

Details

Title: Subtitle: Bacterial Extracellular Polysaccharides in Biofilm Formation and Function
Creators: Dominique H Limoli - Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
Christopher J Jones - Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Daniel J Wozniak - Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Microbiology spectrum, Vol.3(3), 3.3.29
DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.MB-0011-2014
PMID: 26185074
PMCID: PMC4657554
NLM abbreviation: Microbiol Spectr
ISSN: 2165-0497
eISSN: 2165-0497
Grant note: R01 NR013898 / NINR NIH HHS R01 AI097511 / NIAID NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 06/2015
Academic Unit: Microbiology and Immunology
Record Identifier: 9984083876802771

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