What are Bacterial Extracellular Polymeric Substances?

1 Introduction
2 Definitions of EPS
3 Composition, Secretion and Spatial Arrangement of EPS
4 Industrial and Clinical Importance of EPS
5 Bacterial Alginate - an Example of Bacterial EPS
6 Functions of EPS
7 Ecological Aspects of EPS
References
In Situ Characterization of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Biofilm Systems
1 Introduction
2 Destructive Analysis of EPS
3 Non-Destructive Analysis of EPS
4 CLSM Approach
5 Image Analyses and Three-Dimensional Data Presentation
6 Case Studies: In Situ Characterization of EPS
7 Limitations of Non-Destructive Analyses
References
Extraction of EPS
1 Introduction
2 Sampling and Pretreatment
3 Extraction of EPS
4 Contamination by Intracellular Macromolecules
5 Disruption of Macromolecules
6 Extraction Efficiency
7 Purification and Analysis
8 Conclusion
References
Biofilm Exopolysaccharides
1 Introduction
2 Polysaccharide Composition and Structure
3 Promotion of Order and Gelation
4 Ionic Interactions
5 Synergistic Effects
6 Other Functions of Biofilm Exopolysaccharides
7 Dissolution of Physical Structures
8 Conclusions
References
Regulation of Matrix Polymer in Biofilm Formation and Dispersion
1 Alginate Biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
2 Regulation of Alginate Biosynthetic Genes During Biofilm Development
3 Control of Biofilm Dispersion
4 Activation of Alginate Biosynthesis and Chemical Communication in Biofilms
5 P.aeruginosa Biofilm Life Cycle
References
Exopolymers of Sulphate-Reducing Bacteria
Analysis and Function of the EPS from the Strong Acidophile Thiobacillus ferrooxidans
1 Introduction
2 Leaching Bacteria
3 Metal Sulfide Dissolution
4 EPS Analysis
5Function of EPS
6 Conclusions
References
Physical and Chemical Properties of Extracellular Polysaccharides Associated with Biofilms and Related Systems
1 Introduction
2 Biopolymer Gels
3 Physical Characterization of Biofilms
4 Chemical and Biochemical Characterization of Biofilms
5 Bacterial Alginates
References
Chemical Communication Within Microbial Biofilms: Chemotaxis and Quorum Sensing in Bacterial Cells
1 Introduction
2 Bacterial Chemotaxis and Initial Aggregations of Cells
3 Microspatial Patterns and Movement of Bacteria Within Biofilms
4 Bacterial Quorum Sensing: Induction and Regulation of Activities
5 Enhancement of Chemotaxis and Quorum Sensing Processes by the Biofilm Matrix
6 The Biofilm as a Microbial Organism
References
Function of EPS
1 Introduction
2 Role of EPS in Cellular Associations
3 Role of EPS in Nutrition
4 Role of EPS in the Interaction of Microorganisms with their Biological, Physical, and Chemical Environment
5 EPS and the Macro-Environment
6 Conclusions
References
Polysaccharases in Biofilms - Sources - Action - Consequences!
1 Polysaccharases in Biofilms
2 Nature of Polysaccharases
3 Sources of Polysaccharases
4 Effects of Enzymes on Biofilms
5 Application of Enzymes to Biofilms
References
Extracellular Enzymes Within Microbial Biofilms and the Role of the Extracellular Polymer Matrix
1 Introduction: Importance of Extracellular Enzymes to Bacterial Cells and Organic Matter Processing
2 The Microbial Biofilm and Extracellular Polymers
3 Extracellular Polymers as a "Sorptive Sponge" and "Colloidal Trap" for High-Molecular-Weight Organic Matter
4 Localization of Enzymes by Extracellular Polymers: the "Lectin-Localization Model"
5 "ExtracellularPolymer Microdomains" and the Stability of Extracellular Enzymes
6 Environmental Influences on Enzyme Activity
7 Biofilm Induction and Regulation of Extracellular Enzymes.
References
Interaction Between Extracellular Polysaccharides and Enzymes
1 Extracellular Enzymes in Biofilms
2 Mechanisms of Enzyme and Polysaccharide Secretion
3 Interaction of Enzymes with Extracellular Polysaccharides
4 Consequences of Enzyme-Polysaccharide Interactions in Biofilms
References.