Open AccessThe structural role of bacterial eDNA in the formation of biofilm streamers
Author(s) -
Eleonora Secchi,
Giovanni Savorana,
Alessandra Vitale,
Leo Eberl,
Roman Stocker,
Roberto Rusconi
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2113723119
Subject(s) - biofilm , pseudomonas aeruginosa , bacteria , biophysics , extracellular matrix , chemistry , extracellular polymeric substance , biofouling , extracellular , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , biochemistry , genetics , membrane
Significance Streamers, filamentous bacterial biofilms formed in flowing systems, are ubiquitous in natural and artificial environments, where they cause clogging of devices and spreading of infections. Despite their impact, little is known about the nature and properties of streamers and their response to fluid flow. Here, we uncover the specific contribution of bacterial secreted extracellular DNA and exopolysaccharide Pel, two important components inPseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, to the formation and the mechanical properties of the streamers. We then show how this knowledge can be used to control biofilm streamer formation, both to inhibit or to promote it.