Chapter 1 - Bacterial extracellular polysaccharides in biofilm formation and function

Abstract

Microbial cells produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) comprising polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA, which plays an important role in the mechanism of biofilm formation. The excess production of polysaccharide is responsible for the change in the morphology of the existing colonies. The polysaccharides that form an integral part of EPS help in the mechanism of adhesion, protection, and structural formation within the biofilm. These group of polysaccharides act as a molecular glue helping in the attachment of cells with the biotic and abiotic surfaces. This mechanism of attachment using EPS helps in protecting the sessile colonies from environmental stresses like that of predators, nutrient source, and immune effectors. This also helps in providing the development of the biofilm structure and stratification of the bacterial communities. This chapter isfocused on the recent status of research into the role played by EPS in the adhesion of the bacterial cells, genetics associated with the EPS development, utility of EPS, and targeting EPS by potent drug-like compounds.