Extracellular Polymeric Substances
Extracellular Polymeric Substances - Related Videos
06:10
Extraction of Structural Extracellular Polymeric Substances from Aerobic Granular Sludge
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Cited by 201 •
2016
The protocol provides a methodology to solubilize aerobic granular sludge in order to extract alginate-like extracellular polymers (ALE).
06:45
Polymerization
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2023
Source: Vy M. Dong and Jan Riedel, Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA Polymers are made from macromolecules, which are composed of repeating units (the so called monomeric units). In our modern world, polymers play an important role. One of the first important polymers was nylon, which is a polyamide. It found widespread application in tooth brushes and stockings.
11:19
Extracellular Recording of Neuronal Activity Combined with Microiontophoretic Application of Neuroactive Substances in Awake Mice
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Cited by 14 •
2016
We present methods for the construction of electrodes to simultaneously record extracellular neural activity and release multiple neuroactive substances at the vicinity of the recording sites in awake mice. This technique allows the detailed analysis of putative local synaptic inputs to the neuron of interest.
10:01
Kinetics of Addition Polymerization to Polydimethylsiloxane
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2023
Source: Kerry M. Dooley and Michael G. Benton, Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA Polymers are molecules consisting of many repeating monomer units that are chemically bonded into long chains. They exhibit a broad range of physical properties, which are affected by their chemical structure, molecular weight and degree of polymerization. The polymer industry manufactures thousands of raw materials used in a broad variety of commercial products.1,2 The...
07:28
Ethylene Polymerizations Using Parallel Pressure Reactors and a Kinetic Analysis of Chain Transfer Polymerization
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2015
A protocol for the high-throughput analysis of polymerization catalyst, chain transfer polymerizations, polyethylene characterization, and reaction kinetic analysis is presented.
FAQs
Its polymers create a surrounding framework that helps microbial cells remain attached to one another and to their local surface. This organized arrangement supports biofilm structure rather than allowing cells to remain loosely dispersed. Because the matrix also retains water, it helps maintain the hydrated environment associated with persistent microbial communities.
Water retention helps the matrix remain hydrated and physically connected around microbial cells. This property contributes to the stability and organization of the biofilm, while the polymer network can also hinder the movement of antimicrobial agents and immune factors. Consequently, matrix hydration is relevant to how established biofilms withstand host defense and treatment pressures.
Polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and extracellular nucleic acids collectively make up the protective matrix, although their relative contributions depend on the material being characterized. Considering these components together helps researchers examine how the matrix is assembled and how it supports adhesion, organization, and reduced penetration of antimicrobial or immune factors.
By limiting the penetration or activity of immune factors within an established biofilm, the matrix can reduce the effectiveness of host clearance mechanisms. EPS can also influence inflammatory responses, linking matrix properties to both microbial persistence and host-pathogen interactions. These effects make the matrix important when studying infections that remain difficult to eliminate.
Characterization focuses on determining which polymer classes are present and how they are organized into the surrounding matrix. This information connects material composition with adhesion, hydration, protection, and biofilm persistence. It can help researchers identify matrix features relevant to chronic infection studies, antimicrobial strategies, or the design of biomaterials.
They are particularly relevant when microbial communities persist despite antimicrobial treatment or host defenses, because the matrix can restrict access by both agents. Studying EPS therefore supports investigation of chronic infections and established biofilms, where persistence, inflammatory responses, and incomplete immune clearance are central research concerns.
Understanding matrix composition and assembly can inform approaches designed to disrupt biofilm formation or weaken the protective environment surrounding microbial cells. Such strategies may be evaluated alongside antimicrobial treatment to address limited penetration and activity. The same knowledge also supports biomaterials research, where controlling polymeric matrix interactions may be important.