Screening of Escherichia coli species biodiversity reveals new biofilm-associated antiadhesion polysaccharides.

ABSTRACT:

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Bacterial biofilms often form multispecies communities in which complex but ill-understood competition and cooperation interactions occur. In light of the profound physiological modifications associated with this lifestyle, we hypothesized that the biofilm environment might represent an untapped source of natural bioactive molecules interfering with bacterial adhesion or biofilm formation. We produced cell-free solutions extracted from in vitro mature biofilms formed by 122 natural Escherichia coli isolates, and we screened these biofilm extracts for antiadhesion molecules active on a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Using this approach, we showed that 20% of the tested biofilm extracts contained molecules that antagonize bacterial growth or adhesion. W

SUBMITTER: Rendueles O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3101779 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature