Bacterial extracellular polymeric substances: Biosynthesis and interaction with environmental pollutants (2023)

FAQs

What are extracellular polymeric substances in bacteria? ›

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are organic polymers of microbial origin involved in bacterial cells' interactions with their environment [1]. EPS are comprised of polysaccharides, proteins, extracellular DNA (eDNA), and lipids.

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) are natural polymers of high molecular weight secreted by microorganisms into their environment. EPSs establish the functional and structural integrity of biofilms, and are considered the fundamental component that determines the physicochemical properties of a biofilm.

Extracellular polymeric substances are responsible for the cohesion of microorganisms and adhesion of biofilms to surfaces, influencing spatial organization, allowing interactions among microorganisms, and acting as adhesives between cells (Wolfaardt et al., 1999).

The production of EPS is not only an advantage to the microbes but also to the soil environment in general. The adhesiveness is important for gluing soil particles together; high water holding capacity protects microorganisms and plants against drought, as well as permits the diffusions of nutrients in the environment.

Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli are typical examples of bacteria which have been labeled extracellular pathogens, and wound infections, osteomyelitis, scarlet fever, certain forms of pneumonia, urinary tract infections are examples of infections caused by these ...

Extracellular matrix is composed of three main proteins, namely, collagen, non-collagen and proteoglycan.

Extracellular enzymes are produced by microbes to degrade complex organic matter into useable products that can be taken up across the cell membrane. These enzymes are required to access resources in chemically complex polymers, but they are also costly to synthesize and secrete (Koch, 1985).

Which of the following best describes why extracellular polymeric substances are important? They are components of a biofilm secreted by the microbes present.

EPS are a complex high-molecular-weight mixture of polymers excreted by microorganisms, produced from cell lysis and adsorbed organic matter from wastewater.

Polymers make up many of the materials in living organisms, including, for example, proteins, cellulose, and nucleic acids. Moreover, they constitute the basis of such minerals as diamond, quartz, and feldspar and such man-made materials as concrete, glass, paper, plastics, and rubbers.

What are two roles of extracellular components? ›

The extracellular matrix not only provides structural support to cells and tissues, but also plays important roles in regulating the behavior of cells in multicellular organisms.

EPS and capsular polysaccharides represent the major components of biofilm and participate in cell-cell aggregation that is crucial for bacteria anchoring and adhesion to plant roots [127,128]. Therefore, the absence of EPS affects biofilm formation and root colonization, which may impact drought resistance in plants.

Optimization of cultural conditions shows that EPS production is dependent on temperature, initial pH, and concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphate in the medium.

EPS is manufactured from styrene monomer; low levels of styrene occur naturally in many plants, fruit, vegetables, nuts and meat. EPS is a derivative of ethylene and benzene and is made using a polymerisation process which produces translucent spherical beads of polystyrene, about the size of sugar granules.

Extracellular pathogens are dispatched by a combination of direct killing (NK cells and complement) and ingestion (macrophages and neutrophils).

Neutrophils, dendritic cells and macrophages release chemicals to stimulate the inflammatory response. Neutrophils and macrophages also consume invading bacteria by phagocytosis.

iv) Avoid Phagocytosis

Some non-encapsulated extracellular bacteria avoid capture by phagocytes by temporarily entering non-phagocytes such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts.

The extracellular fluid, in turn, is composed of blood plasma, interstitial fluid, lymph and transcellular fluid (e.g. cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, aqueous humour, serous fluid, gut fluid, etc.). The interstitial fluid and the blood plasma are the major components of the extracellular fluid.

Collagen. Collagens are the major structural component of the ECM¹. They are the most prevalent protein in the skin and bone, making up 25% of the total protein mass².

What is the extracellular substance made of? ›

The extracellular matrix of connective tissue is composed of fibers and ground substance. In ordinary connective tissue, the principal fiber type is collagen (the most abundant protein in the body), with elastic fibers as a minor element; ground substance consists mainly of water.

Overall, while the impact of extracellular enzymes on pathogenicity can vary, they are generally thought to make a bacterium more pathogenic by facilitating invasion, evasion, and spread within the host.

Do you think extracellular enzymes would make a bacteria more or less pathogenic? More pathogenic because exoenzymes can degrade the extracellular matrix that holds tissues in the body together.

Heterotrophic bacteria have the ability to produce extracellular enzymes (protease enzymes, amylases, and cellulases) that are necessary for the bioremediation of organic waste.

Within the extracellular fluid, the major cation is sodium and the major anion is chloride.

These extracellular, membrane-bound organelles can perform a variety of functions, including binding and delivery of DNA, transport of virulence factors, protection of the cell from outer membrane targeting antimicrobials, and ridding the cell of toxic envelope proteins.

The polysaccharide component of the matrix can provide many diverse benefits to the cells in the biofilm, including adhesion, protection, and structure. Aggregative polysaccharides act as molecular glue, allowing the bacterial cells to adhere to each other as well as surfaces.

As you can tell, polymers play an important role in wastewater treatment. Besides separating solids from liquids, they also help thicken sludge and dewater contaminated material for easier handling and disposal. Removing the water content from a waste sludge can change the waste properties from liquid to solid waste.

Extracellular polymeric substances are generally present at the exterior of cells, generated through active secretion, cell lysis, shedding of cell surface material, and also adsorption from the environment [53,54].

What are the 4 types of polymers? ›

The four basic polymer structures are linear, branched, crosslinked, and networked.

Examples of synthetic polymers include nylon, polyethylene, polyester, Teflon, and epoxy. Natural polymers occur in nature and can be extracted. They are often water-based. Examples of naturally occurring polymers are silk, wool, DNA, cellulose and proteins.

Product made from polymers are all around us: clothing made from synthetic fibers, polyethylene cups, fiberglass, nylon bearings, plastic bags, polymer-based paints, epoxy glue, polyurethane foam cushion, silicone heart valves, and Teflon-coated cookware.

Cells interact with the extracellular environment through cell adhesion molecules, e.g., integrins. This interaction affects the formation of cell adhesions and the cytoskeleton. Embedded within adhesions and the cytoskeleton are signaling molecules that will affect biochemical pathways depending on how cells adhere.

The extracellular structures may fulfill relevant roles in terms of structure and functional organization, contributing to fundamental processes like cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Cell-matrix adhesion is the interaction of a cell with the extracellular matrix, mediated by multi-protein adhesion structures such as focal adhesions, fibrillar adhesions and podosomes. The ECM is a network of extracellular molecules which are secreted locally to ensure cell and tissue cohesion.

Extracellular polymer substance (EPS) is a potential bio-flocculant. • EPS is environmental friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable. • Identification of EPS producing bacteria using different techniques are presented.

Nationwide Environmental Protection Services (EPS) PCB Alternative Disposal Approval and Notifications | US EPA.

The structure of the marine microbial Exopolysaccharides (EPS) is complex and diverse, and is linked to various biological activities, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antifreeze, anti-inflammatory, enhancement of immune activity and blood pressure, and lipid reduction.

Among EPS producing bacteria, Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have has grasped the attention of researchers thank to their strong ability to produce EPSs. The LAB strains as Streptococcus, Lactococcus, Pediococcus, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc and Weissellale are often used to produce EPSs [7].

Is EPS secreted by bacteria? ›

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are organic polymers of microbial origin involved in bacterial cells' interactions with their environment [1]. EPS are comprised of polysaccharides, proteins, extracellular DNA (eDNA), and lipids.

bulgaricus. The factors found to affect EPS production in this medium were oxygen, pH, temperature, and medium constituents, such as orotic acid and the carbon source.

EPS helps investors understand whether investing in a particular company is profitable.

Employee Pension Scheme applies to those persons who are members of EPFO (Employee Provident Fund Organisation). Moreover, they contribute to the EPS account. For salaried employees earning up to ₹15,000, it is compulsory. Moreover, employees with a salary of more than ₹15,000 can contribute voluntarily.

EPS products are comprised of 98% air, so they have excellent insulation and shock-absorbent properties. Furthermore, it is used in various industries because it has great lightness, processability, and durability. Also, due to it being a single material, it is easy to recycle.

There are two different types of earnings per share: basic and diluted. Reporting basic EPS is required because it increases the comparability of earnings between different companies. Diluted EPS is required to reduce moral hazard issues.

The extracellular matrix of bacterial biofilms is commonly composed of proteins, exopolysaccharides, nucleic acids, lipids and other minor biomolecules such as secondary metabolites.

Many bacteria secrete extracellular polymers outside of their cell walls called glycocalyx. These polymers are usually composed of polysaccharides and sometimes protein. Capsules are relatively impermeable structures that cannot be stained with dyes such as India ink.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a mixture of secreted high-molecular-weight polymers produced by nearly all types of cell. In bacteria, it consists of three major components: polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA.

Extracellular enzymes are produced by microbes to degrade complex organic matter into useable products that can be taken up across the cell membrane. These enzymes are required to access resources in chemically complex polymers, but they are also costly to synthesize and secrete (Koch, 1985).

What are the three main types of extracellular structures? ›

Two main classes of extracellular macromolecules make up the matrix: (1) polysaccharide chains of the class called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are usually found covalently linked to protein in the form of proteoglycans, and (2) fibrous proteins, including collagen, elastin, fibronectin, and laminin, which have ...

Two types of surface appendage can be recognized on certain bacterial species: the flagella, which are organs of locomotion, and pili (Latin hairs), which are also known as fimbriae (Latin fringes). Flagella occur on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and their presence can be useful in identification.

Main. Bacteria have historically been divided into two distinct groups: extracellular bacteria, which exist as free-living organisms in their environmental niches, and intracellular bacteria, which infect and replicate inside host cells.

In an infection by extracellular bacteria, the host triggers a series of responses to combat the pathogen and prevent its spread. The main mechanism of the innate immune response to eradicate bacteria is activation of the complement system, phagocytosis, and inflammatory response (Figure 1).

Bacteria feed by the process of extra- cellular digestion. This occurs by the bacterial cell secreting digestive enzymes into the food source outside the bacterial cell. The digestive enzymes break down the food source (e.g. some warm chicken) and reabsorb the digested molecules into the bacterial cell.

Unlike humans, a bacterium is an individual cell. This means that it must feed by extracellular digestion. Extracellular digestion involves enzymes being allowed out through the cell membrane and being secreted onto food molecules.

A large network of proteins and other molecules that surround, support, and give structure to cells and tissues in the body. The extracellular matrix helps cells attach to, and communicate with, nearby cells, and plays an important role in cell growth, cell movement, and other cell functions.

Extracellular enzymes help microbes to digest and utilize fractions of organic matter, including EPS, which can stimulate growth and enhance microbial activity.