extracellular polymeric substances

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

mycolabadmin

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.

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

mycolabadmin

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.

Biophysical Manipulation of the Extracellular Environment by Eurotium halophilicum

mycolabadmin

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.

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

mycolabadmin

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 Topic: extracellular polymeric substances

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

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

Biophysical Manipulation of the Extracellular Environment by Eurotium halophilicum

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