Abstract
Biofilms are communities of microorganisms embedded in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix. Bacteria in biofilms demonstrate distinct features from their free-living planktonic counterparts, such as different physiology and high resistance to immune system and antibiotics that render biofilm a source of chronic and persistent infections. A deeper understanding of biofilms will ultimately provide insights into the development of alternative treatment for biofilm infections. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a model bacterium for biofilm research, is notorious for its ability to cause chronic infections by its high level of drug resistance involving the formation of biofilms. In this review, we summarize recent advances in biofilm formation, focusing on the biofilm matrix and its regulation in P. aeruginosa, aiming to provide resources for the understanding and control of bacterial biofilms.
Highlights
Biofilms are microbial communities encased in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) [1]
The EPS of biofilm is a mixture of polysaccharides, extracellular DNA, and proteins, which function as matrix, or glue, holding microbial cells together
Colonization of the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients by P. aeruginosa is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in CF populations
Summary
Biofilms are microbial communities encased in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) [1]. The EPS of biofilm is a mixture of polysaccharides, extracellular DNA (eDNA), and proteins, which function as matrix, or glue, holding microbial cells together. Colonization of the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients by P. aeruginosa is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in CF populations These infections generally persist despite the use of long term aggressive antimicrobial therapy and have been associated with the formation of antibiotic-resistant biofilms, whereby bacterial communities form microcolonies embedded in a hydrated EPS matrix [6,7]. The respective nature and functions in biofilm formation and development of biofilm matrix components including exopolysaccharides (Psl, Pel, and alginate), eDNA, proteins, and proteinaceous surface appendages such as fimbriae, type IV pili (T4P), and flagellum will be discussed below
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