Bacterial extracellular matrix as a natural source of biotechnologically multivalent materials

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an intricate megastructure made by bacterial cells to form architecturally complex biostructures called biofilms. Protection of cells, modulation of cell-to-cell signalling, cell differentiation and environmental sensing are functions of the ECM that reflect its diverse chemical composition. Proteins, polysaccharides and eDNA have specific functionalities while cooperatively interacting to sustain the architecture and biological relevance of the ECM. The accumulated evidence on the chemical heterogeneity and specific functionalities of ECM components has attracted attention because of their potential biotechnological applications, from agriculture to the water and food industries. This review compiles information on the most relevant bacterial ECM components, the biophysical and chemical features responsible for their biological roles, and their potential to be further translated into biotechnological applications. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Research Network of Computational and Structural Bio-technology.

Automated summary

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex megastructure produced by bacterial cells to form biofilms, with functions such as cell protection, modulation of cell-to-cell signaling, cell differentiation, and environmental sensing. ECM components like proteins, polysaccharides, and eDNA have specific functionalities and interact cooperatively to sustain ECM architecture. The diverse chemical composition and potential biotechnological applications of ECM components have attracted attention, from agriculture to water and food industries.