Antibiotic penetration through bacterial capsules and exopolysaccharides

Bacterial Exopolysaccharides: Functionality and Prospects

Diverse structural, functional and valuable polysaccharides are synthesized by bacteria of all taxa and secreted into the external environment. These polysaccharides are referred to as exopolysaccharides and they may either be homopolymeric or heteropolymeric in composition and of diverse high molecular weights (10 to 1000 kDa). The material properties of exopolysaccharides have revolutionized...

Exopolysaccharides and capsules in human pathogenic Exophiala species.

The black yeasts Exophiala spinifera and E. dermatitidis produce extracellular slimes, which may be either in the form of a well-delimited capsule or of diffusely exuded exopolysaccharides (EPS). The optimal conditions for their production were studied. The presence or absence of polysaccharide material can be used for recognition of the two species. Five-day-old cultures grown on potato glucos...

Bacterial exopolysaccharides: biosynthesis pathways and engineering strategies

Bacteria produce a wide range of exopolysaccharides which are synthesized via different biosynthesis pathways. The genes responsible for synthesis are often clustered within the genome of the respective production organism. A better understanding of the fundamental processes involved in exopolysaccharide biosynthesis and the regulation of these processes is critical toward genetic, metabolic an...

Bacterial Exopolysaccharides Protection from Intestinal Inflammation by

Enzymatic modifications of exopolysaccharides enhance bacterial persistence

Biofilms are surface-attached communities of bacterial cells embedded in a self-produced matrix that are found ubiquitously in nature. The biofilm matrix is composed of various extracellular polymeric substances, which confer advantages to the encapsulated bacteria by protecting them from eradication. The matrix composition varies between species and is dependent on the environmental niche that...