Matrix glycoconjugate characterization in multispecies biofilms and bioaggregates from the environment by means of fluorescently-labeled lectins.

ABSTRACT: Environmental biofilms represent a complex mixture of different microorganisms. Their identity is usually analyzed by means of nucleic acid-based techniques. However, these biofilms are also composed of a highly complex extracellular matrix produced by the microbes within a particular biofilm system. The biochemical identity of this extracellular matrix remains in many cases an intractable part of biofilms and bioaggregates. Consequently, there is a need for an approach that will give access to the fully hydrated structure of the extracellular matrix or at least a major part of it. A crucial compound of the matrix identified as carbohydrate-based polymers represents major structural and functional constituents. These glycoconjugates can be characterized by using fluorescently-labeled lecti

SUBMITTER: Neu TR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9395170 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature