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Bacterial biofilms associated with food particles in the human large bowel
Author(s) -
Van Wey Amy S.,
Cookson Adrian L.,
Roy Nicole C.,
McNabb Warren C.,
Soboleva Tanya K.,
Shorten Paul R.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
molecular nutrition and food research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.495
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1613-4133
pISSN - 1613-4125
DOI - 10.1002/mnfr.201000589
Subject(s) - biofilm , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , pathogenic bacteria , biology , immune system , commensalism , host (biology) , human gastrointestinal tract , enteric bacteria , escherichia coli , ecology , immunology , biochemistry , gene , genetics
Bacteria within the gastro‐intestinal tract affect host function via production of short‐chain fatty acids and synthesis of vitamins. Additionally, the commensal enteric bacteria modulate the immune system and provide protection from potentially pathogenic bacteria. Only recently heterogeneous bacterial biofilms were found to be associated with food particles within the intestinal tract. There are a number of studies investigating the formation and function of pathogenic and single‐species biofilms, though few studies have investigated the dynamics of multispecies biofilms, especially with regard to food/microbial/host interactions. The scope of this review is to discuss the current knowledge of bacterial biofilms associated with food particles in the human large bowel, examine the established mathematical models depicting bacterial attachment, and elucidate key areas for further research.