Biofilm Matrix [electronic resource] / edited by Courtney Reichhardt.

Chapter 1: The Biofilm Blueprint: Exopolysaccharide Form and Function in Bacterial Biofilms -- Chapter 2: Nucleic acids in the biofilm matrix -- Chapter 3: The Matrix Proteome: Protein Actors in the Extracellular Bacterial Biofilm.- Chapter 4: Functional amyloids as key biofilm matrix components.- Chapter 5: Structures of fibrillar adhesins that mediate bacteria-host interactions and biofilm formation.- Chapter 6: The role of matrix components in multispecies coexistence in biofilms.- Chapter 7: Cellulose and cellulose secretion in bacterial biofilms.- Chapter 8: Viscoelasticity of the biofilm matrix.- Chapter 9: Unraveling the biofilm matrix for targeted treatment strategies.- Chapter 10: Unraveling the complexity: Biofilms and their interaction with myeloid immune cell.- Chapter 11: Biofilm Dispersion and the Matrix.- Chapter 12: Experimental approaches for studying the biofilm matrix.

This book provides a comprehensive review of biofilm matrices. The main topics include an introduction to biofilm matrices and the range of biofilm matrix components (i.e., biofilm matrixome) as well as an overview of what is known about matrix structure, functionality, and regulation. Additional topics include recent progress in investigating the biofilm matrixome as well as challenges and outstanding questions and descriptions of the influence of matrix interactions on biofilm architecture and pathogen-host interactions. This book covers an important aspect of biofilm biology-microbial biofilm matrices. Microbes form multicellular aggregates called biofilms, in which microbial cells are encased in an extracellular matrix. This enables microbes to withstand harsh environmental conditions including antibiotic treatment. Biofilms are ubiquitous in the environment and can be both beneficial and harmful. For example, they can be used to clean up wastewater, but they also cause serious and chronic infections. It is estimated that over 80% of infections in the United States are biofilm-associated. Some examples of biofilm-involved infections include infections of implanted medical devices or artificial joints and also chronic infections of burns and wounds, including diabetic ulcers. When biofilms show up during infections or human health problems, they act very differently than planktonic bacteria. For example, biofilms can be ~1000-fold more tolerant of antibiotics than their planktonic counterparts. The biofilm matrix is thought to be a key part of why these bacterial infections are so difficult to treat. Biofilm matrix composition varies between bacterial strains and under different growth conditions. In general, the biofilm matrix is rich in biopolymers and can contain exopolysaccharides, proteins, extracellular DNA (or eDNA), and lipids. The biofilm matrix promotes attachment and structurally reinforces bacterial aggregates, preventing clearance by mechanical forces. The matrix can even block antibiotics from accessing the bacteria or prevent the host immune system from seeing the bacteria. The target audience of this book is both established biofilm researchers and those who are newly learning about biofilms and biofilm matrices.

UABC ; Perpetuidad