Biofilm matrix polysaccharides

Biofilm matrix polysaccharides are the polysaccharide components of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that form the structural and functional scaffold of microbial biofilms, working with proteins and extracellular DNA to create a cohesive, hydrated, and protective matrix.[2][4] They mediate initial surface attachment and intercellular adhesion, provide mechanical stability, and protect embedded cells from environmental stresses and host defenses, while also influencing nutrient retention and diffusion within the biofilm.[2][3][4] Polysaccharide composition is species- and strain-dependent: for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces Psl, Pel, and alginate that contribute to attachment, cohesion, and architecture; Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis produce poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG) via the ica operon; and Vibrio cholerae produces Vibrio exopolysaccharide (VPS) encoded by vps gene clusters.[4][3][7] In Candida albicans, matrix polysaccharides include α-mannan and β-1,6-glucan forming a mannan–glucan complex, with β-1,3-glucan linked to antifungal drug resistance; these components are physically associated and contribute to biofilm-specific drug tolerance.[1] Because matrix polysaccharides are central to biofilm development and tolerance, they are investigated as therapeutic targets using antibodies against specific polymers (e.g., anti-Psl), inhibitors of polysaccharide–protein interactions (e.g., CdrA:Psl), and polysaccharide-degrading enzymes to disperse biofilms and potentiate antimicrobials.[4][6][7]

Other names

extracellular polysaccharidesexopolysaccharidesextracellular polymeric substances polysaccharide fractionEPS polysaccharidesbiofilm extracellular matrix polysaccharidesmatrix polysaccharides (biofilm)

Antibody-mediated neutralization of specific exopolysaccharides (e.g., anti-Psl), disrupting matrix integrity and enhancing antibiotic susceptibility[4] - Inhibition or disruption of polysaccharide–protein crosslinking (e.g., blocking CdrA:Psl binding) to reduce cohesion and stability[4] - Enzymatic degradation of matrix polysaccharides (hydrolases/lyases) to promote biofilm dispersal and increase antimicrobial penetration[6][7]