Biology Department, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce, PR, USA.
FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2010 Dec;313(1):1-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2010.02085.x.
Bacterial exopolymeric substances (EPS) are molecules released in response to the physiological stress encountered in the natural environment. EPS are structural components of the extracellular matrix in which cells are embedded during biofilm development. The chemical nature and functions of these EPS are dependent on the genetic expression of the cells within each biofilm. Although some bacterial matrices have been characterized, understanding of the function of the EPS is relatively limited, particularly within the Bacillus genus. Similar gaps of knowledge exist with respect to the chemical composition and specific roles of the macromolecules secreted by Bacillus subtilis in its natural environment. In this review, the different EPS from B. subtilis were classified into four main functional categories: structural (neutral polymers), sorptive (charged polymers), surface-active and active polymers. In addition, current information regarding the genetic expression, production and function of the main polymers secreted by B. subtilis strains, particularly those related to biofilm formation and its architecture, has been compiled. Further characterization of these EPS from B. subtilis remains a challenge.
细菌胞外聚合物（EPS）是细胞在自然环境中遇到生理压力时释放的分子。EPS 是细胞外基质的结构成分，在生物膜发育过程中细胞嵌入其中。这些 EPS 的化学性质和功能取决于每个生物膜内细胞的基因表达。尽管已经对一些细菌基质进行了描述，但对 EPS 的功能的了解相对有限，特别是在芽孢杆菌属中。同样的知识空白也存在于枯草芽孢杆菌在其自然环境中分泌的大分子的化学组成和特定功能方面。在这篇综述中，将枯草芽孢杆菌的不同 EPS 分为四大主要功能类别：结构（中性聚合物）、吸附（带电聚合物）、表面活性和活性聚合物。此外，还综合了有关枯草芽孢杆菌菌株分泌的主要聚合物的遗传表达、产生和功能的最新信息，特别是与生物膜形成及其结构相关的聚合物。进一步对枯草芽孢杆菌的这些 EPS 进行表征仍然是一个挑战。
