Extracellular polymeric substances are high-molecular weight compounds secreted by microorganisms into their environment.[1] These are mostly composed of polysaccharides and can either remain attached to the cell's outer surface, or be secreted into its growth medium. These compounds are important in biofilm formation and attachment to surfaces.[2][3]
References
- ^ Staudt C, Horn H, Hempel DC, Neu TR (2004). "Volumetric measurements of bacterial cells and extracellular polymeric substance glycoconjugates in biofilms". Biotechnol. Bioeng. 88 (5): 585–92. PMID 15470707.
- ^ Donlan RM (2002). "Biofilms: microbial life on surfaces". Emerging Infect. Dis. 8 (9): 881–90. PMID 12194761.
- ^ Donlan RM, Costerton JW (2002). "Biofilms: survival mechanisms of clinically relevant microorganisms". Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 15 (2): 167–93. PMID 11932229.
