biofilm formation

Edge evidence

• extracellular polymeric substance matrix enables biofilm formation RO:0002327

  EPS matrix encloses cells and holds the biofilm together.

  • DOI:10.1038/nrmicro.2016.94 Flemming et al. describe the EPS matrix as the structural basis of biofilms.
• biofilm formation enables biofilm formation RO:0002327

  Biofilm-formation activity realizes the biofilm-forming trait.

  • DOI:10.1038/s41579-019-0162-0 Flemming & Wuertz frame biofilm formation as the dominant microbial lifestyle.
• planktonic cell attaches to amenable surface

  Biofilm formation begins when a planktonic cell attaches to an amenable surface.

  • DOI:10.1042/BCJ20210301 Bohning et al.: biofilm formation begins when a planktonic cell attaches to an amenable surface.
• extracellular matrix required for biofilm formation

  The extracellular matrix is the defining characteristic and hallmark of all bacterial biofilms.

  • DOI:10.1042/BCJ20210301 Bohning et al.: presence of an ECM is the defining characteristic and hallmark of all bacterial biofilms.
• bis(3'-5')-cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP) promotes sessile state RO:0002213

  c-di-GMP modulates EPS synthesis and motility, promoting the planktonic-to-sessile transition.

  • DOI:10.3390/w17131944 Wang et al.: c-di-GMP modulated EPS synthesis and flagellar motility, facilitating the transition from planktonic to sessile state. Broadly accepted central regulator.
• sessile state enables biofilm formation RO:0002327

  The sessile, surface-attached state enables biofilm formation.

  • DOI:10.3390/w17131944 Wang et al.: transition to the sessile state underlies biofilm formation.
• nitric oxide induces biofilm dispersal

  A key anti-biofilm property of nitric oxide is its ability to induce biofilm dispersal.

  • DOI:10.3390/antibiotics13111047 Fuentes et al.: one of the key anti-biofilm properties of NO is its ability to induce biofilm dispersal (dose-dependent).
• extracellular DNA (eDNA) required for extracellular matrix

  eDNA is ubiquitous in and critical for biofilm ECM stability.

  • DOI:10.1042/BCJ20210301 Bohning et al.: eDNA is ubiquitous in the biofilm ECM and is critical for biofilm ECM stability.
• extracellular DNA (eDNA) nucleates amyloid-like fibers

  eDNA acts as a nucleator triggering amyloid-like fiber formation in the matrix.

  • DOI:10.1042/BCJ20210301 Bohning et al.: eDNA plays an important role in triggering amyloid-like fibre formation, acting as a nucleator.
• quorum sensing autoinducers (AHL/AIP/AI-2) regulates biofilm formation RO:0002211

  Quorum sensing autoinducers (AHL/AIP/AI-2) regulate biofilm formation.

  • DOI:10.3390/bacteria3030008 Erkihun et al.: QS signals (AHLs, AIPs, AI-2) participate in biofilm formation.