Biofilms and extracellular matrices on geomaterials

Microbial biofilms are ubiquitous in aquatic and terrestric ecosystems as well as on man-made material. They are initial colonizers on all surfaces and take part in biogenic weathering on natural rocks as well as on building stone. The structure and function of the biofilm matrix, mainly extracellular polysaccharides (EP), is documented for biofilms on stone surfaces: the hydrated gel acts as glue between the organisms and the material surface. Besides EP, living cells, cell debris and mineral particles are embedded in the matrix. These particles appear to be deposited on the surfaces of cell walls and interfaces in the biofilm matrix. As an important function of the matrix, EP stabilizes the biological activity against periodic desiccation. It was demonstrated that in several polymers (alginate, dextran, levan and others) a typical extracellular enzyme, the alpha-amylase, develops enhanced resistance against desiccation stress. Consequences of EP production and biofilm development on surfaces are discussed.