Open AccessThe biofilm matrix polysaccharides cellulose and alginate both protect Pseudomonas putida mt-2 against reactive oxygen species generated under matric stress and copper exposure
Author(s) -
Nanna Bygvraa Svenningsen,
Esteban MartínezGarcía,
Mette Haubjerg Nicolaisen,
Vı́ctor de Lorenzo,
Ole Nybroe
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1465-2080
pISSN - 1350-0872
DOI - 10.1099/mic.0.000667
Subject(s) - biofilm , cellulose , polysaccharide , pseudomonas putida , reactive oxygen species , chemistry , extracellular polymeric substance , bacterial cellulose , bacteria , food science , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , biology , enzyme , genetics
In natural environments most bacteria live in biofilms embedded in complex matrices of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). This lifestyle is known to increase protection against environmental stress. Pseudomonas putida mt-2 harbours genes for the production of at least four different EPS polysaccharides, including alginate and cellulose. Little is known about the functional properties of cellulose, while alginate attenuates the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by matric stress. By using mutants that are deficient in either alginate or cellulose production we show that even cellulose attenuates the accumulation of matric stress-induced ROS for cells in biofilms. Further, both cellulose and alginate attenuate ROS generated through exposure to copper. Interestingly, the two EPS polysaccharides protect cells in both liquid culture and in biofilms against ROS caused by matric stress, indicating that cellulose and alginate do not need to be produced as an integral part of the biofilm lifestyle to provide tolerance towards environmental stressors.