Biofilm Matrixome: Extracellular Components in Structured Microbial Communities

2020/04/21 by Lamprini Karygianni, Zhi Ren, Hyun Koo +1 · 11 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing #Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology #Microbial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation

paper · pdf · doi:10.1016/j.tim.2020.03.016

openalex publication_date 2020/04/21 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

Biofilms consist of microbial communities embedded in a 3D extracellular matrix. The matrix is composed of a complex array of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that contribute to the unique attributes of biofilm lifestyle and virulence. This ensemble of chemically and functionally diverse biomolecules is termed the 'matrixome'. The composition and mechanisms of EPS matrix formation, and its role in biofilm biology, function, and microenvironment are being revealed. This perspective article highlights recent advances about the multifaceted role of the 'matrixome' in the development, physical-chemical properties, and virulence of biofilms. We emphasize that targeting biofilm-specific conditions such as the matrixome could lead to precise and effective antibiofilm approaches. We also discuss the limited knowledge in the context of polymicrobial biofilms, and the need for more in-depth analyses of the EPS matrix in mixed communities that are associated with many human infectious diseases.

Cited by

• Cyclic-di-GMP signalling mutants drive ecological succession and self-generated diversity in experimentally evolved biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• New insights into the inhibitory roles and mechanisms of D-amino acids in bacterial biofilms in medicine, industry, and agriculture
• Research advances and public health strategies in China on WHO priority fungal pathogens
• Endophytic fungi as a source of antimicrobial compounds against emerging methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• Mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in biofilms
• Biomass-Based Antifouling Coatings: Mechanisms, Materials, Applications, and Emerging Sustainable Strategies
• Biofilm Associated Persistence and Drug Tolerance in Mycobacteria Within Host Microenvironments
• Detection to Disruption: A Comprehensive Review of Bacterial Biofilms and Therapeutic Advances
• A review of bacterial biofilm control by physical strategies
• Effect of biofilm lifestyle caused by water matric potential on invasion of exogenous plasmid
• Anti-staphylococcal fatty acids: mode of action, bacterial resistance and implications for therapeutic application

Related

• Privatization of Biofilm Matrix in Structurally Heterogeneous Biofilms
• Biofilm formation – what we can learn from recent developments
• Mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in biofilms
• Biofilms: Survival Mechanisms of Clinically Relevant Microorganisms
• Antibiotic resistance of bacterial biofilms