title: Giving structure to the biofilm matrix: an overview of individual strategies and emerging common themes.
abstract: Biofilms are communities of microbial cells that underpin diverse processes including sewage bioremediation, plant growth promotion, chronic infections and industrial biofouling. The cells resident in the biofilm are encased within a self-produced exopolymeric matrix that commonly comprises lipids, proteins that frequently exhibit amyloid-like properties, eDNA and exopolysaccharides. This matrix fulfils a variety of functions for the community, from providing structural rigidity and protection from the external environment to controlling gene regulation and nutrient adsorption. Critical to the development of novel strategies to control biofilm infections, or the capability to capitalize on the power of biofilm formation for industrial and biotechnological uses, is an in-depth knowledge of the biofilm matrix. This is with respect to the structure of the individual components, the nature of the interactions between the molecules and the three-dimensional spatial organization. We highlight recent advances in the understanding of the structural and functional role that carbohydrates and proteins play within the biofilm matrix to provide three-dimensional architectural integrity and functionality to the biofilm community. We highlight, where relevant, experimental techniques that are allowing the boundaries of our understanding of the biofilm matrix to be extended using Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, and Bacillus subtilis as exemplars.
authors.affiliation: Division of Molecular Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hobley
authors.affiliation: Division of Molecular Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
authors.forename: Catriona
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Harkins
authors.affiliation: James Clerk Maxwell Building, School of Physics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JZ, UK.
authors.forename: Cait E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: MacPhee
authors.affiliation: Division of Molecular Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK n.r.stanleywall@dundee.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Nicola R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Stanley-Wall
mesh_terms: D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial / Q000378:metabolism; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D018441:Biofilms; D002482:Cellulose / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005407:Flagella / Q000378:metabolism; D021381:Protein Transport
chemical_list: D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial; D002482:Cellulose
keywords: Bacillus subtilis; Escherichia coli; Staphylococcus aureus; Vibrio cholerae; amyloid fibres; biofilm matrix assembly; biophysics; hydrophobin