title: Biofilm matrix-degrading enzymes.
abstract: Polymeric substances such as proteins, polysaccharides, and DNA constitute a major component of the biofilm matrix. Enzymes that depolymerize and degrade these components are useful tools for investigating the composition and function of the biofilm matrix. This chapter provides a brief overview of the most commonly used biofilm matrix-degrading enzymes and presents examples of their applications in biofilm research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20016, USA, kaplanjb@american.edu.
authors.forename: Jeffrey B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Kaplan
mesh_terms: D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D018441:Biofilms; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D010933:Plankton / Q000502:physiology