Year: 1998
Type: article
Abstract: Characteristic of many biofilms is the production of extracellular polysaccharides. These polymers are an integral component of biofilm ultrastructure and are believed to assist in the attachment process and protect the underlying cells from fluctuations in the surrounding milieu. Moreover, in many instances the persistent and problematic nature of biofilms is attributed to these polysaccharides. In this article the composition and physical properties of exopolysaccharides relevant to biofilm populations are reviewed, together with their ascribed function in biofilms and mechanisms of biosynthesis control and regulation.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: David Allison
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2261247180