extracellular polymeric substances

Characterizing the Contaminant-Adhesion of a Dibenzofuran Degrader Rhodococcus sp.

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Dibenzofuran is a toxic pollutant that bacteria can degrade, but the process of bacterial adhesion to this contaminant wasn’t well understood. Researchers found that the bacterium Rhodococcus sp. strain p52 produces sticky outer coatings called extracellular polymeric substances when exposed to dibenzofuran. These coatings change the bacteria’s surface properties, making them better able to stick to and degrade the pollutant. The study reveals how bacteria naturally adapt to efficiently clean up toxic contamination.

The Strategies Microalgae Adopt to Counteract the Toxic Effect of Heavy Metals

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Microalgae can help clean water polluted with toxic heavy metals like cadmium and chromium while also producing useful biomass. The review explains how microalgae absorb and trap heavy metals, and describes ways to make them more effective, including adding certain chemicals, selecting resilient strains, and using genetic modification. Combining heavy metal removal with biomass production could make the process cost-effective for real-world applications.

Copper biosorption by Serratia plymuthica: crucial role of tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances in planktonic and biofilm systems

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Researchers discovered that a bacterium called Serratia plymuthica can effectively remove copper from contaminated water using special protective layers of polymers it produces. These polymer layers, especially the protein components, act like tiny magnets that capture copper ions from solution. The study found that when these bacteria form biofilms on porous surfaces, they become even more effective at removing copper from industrial wastewater, achieving up to 97% removal efficiency even under harsh acidic conditions.

Prebiotic property of tamarind seed kernel on Bifidobacterium animalis growth and biofilm formation

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This study shows that tamarind seed kernel powder acts as a prebiotic, which are foods that feed beneficial bacteria in your gut. The research found that this powder promotes the growth of Bifidobacterium animalis, a helpful probiotic bacteria, and helps it form protective biofilms that adhere to intestinal walls. The tamarind seed powder actually worked better than inulin, a commonly used prebiotic, particularly at higher concentrations.

Biophysical Manipulation of the Extracellular Environment by Eurotium halophilicum

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Eurotium halophilicum is a remarkable fungus found on old books that can survive in extremely dry conditions by using salt crystals to pull water from the air. The fungus covers itself with hair-like structures and produces sticky polymers that help it maintain moisture. This ability to thrive in seemingly dry environments makes it a challenge for museums and libraries trying to preserve old books, and climate change may make this problem worse.

Cyanobacteria and Chloroflexota cooperate to structure light-responsive biofilms

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Researchers studied how two types of bacteria found in hot spring mats work together to form stronger communities. When cultured alone, one bacterium moved toward light while the other moved randomly and one was better at forming sticky biofilms. When combined, the bacteria moved together toward light more effectively and created much stronger biofilms, suggesting they cooperate to build the layered structures seen in natural hot spring ecosystems.

Biofilms and Chronic Wounds: Pathogenesis and Treatment Options

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Chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and burn injuries, are often complicated by bacterial and fungal biofilms—protective communities of microorganisms that resist antibiotics and delay healing. This review summarizes how biofilms form, why they are difficult to treat with standard approaches, and discusses new therapeutic strategies. While debridement and antiseptics remain important, combining them with novel treatments like bacteriophages, enzyme therapies, and nanotechnology offers better chances for healing these stubborn wounds.

In vitro characterization of Trichophyton rubrum biofilm by combined anti-biofilm enzymes

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Athlete’s foot and nail fungal infections caused by Trichophyton rubrum are difficult to treat because the fungus forms protective biofilms that resist antifungal medications. This research shows that enzymes like cellulase, protease, and amylase can break down these biofilm barriers when used alone or in combination. The combination approach was most effective, suggesting that enzyme-based treatments could become useful additions to current fungal infection therapies.

Research Keyword: extracellular polymeric substances