Extracellular polymeric substance - Revision history

Mchitchc at 04:49, 7 May 2021

2021-05-07T04:49:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:49, 7 May 2021
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	===Chemical reactions===		===Chemical reactions===
	EPS provides a stable interface for soil microbes to chemically work on attached substrate and suspended materials. In addition EPS ~~itself is~~ a store of carbon and other nutrients. The binding nature of EPS also helps reduce nutrient loss in soils from runoff.<ref>Lin, D., Ma, W., Jin, Z., Wang, Y., Huang, Q., Cai, P., 2016. Interactions of EPS with soil minerals: A combination study by ITC and CLSM. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 138, 10–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.11.026</ref>		EPS provides a stable interface for soil microbes to chemically work on attached substrate and suspended materials. In addition EPS can act as a store of carbon and other nutrients. The binding nature of EPS also helps reduce nutrient loss in soils from runoff.<ref>Lin, D., Ma, W., Jin, Z., Wang, Y., Huang, Q., Cai, P., 2016. Interactions of EPS with soil minerals: A combination study by ITC and CLSM. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 138, 10–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.11.026</ref>

	[[File:fmicb-09-01636-g001.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Theoretical functions of soil EPS<ref name=Costa_2018 />]]		[[File:fmicb-09-01636-g001.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Theoretical functions of soil EPS<ref name=Costa_2018 />]]
	===Hydrology===		===Hydrology===
	EPS resists evaporation by binding ~~the~~ water tightly[]. ~~The biofilms~~ formed with EPS can cause bioclogging of pores which ~~resists~~ evaporation and mass flow of water by reducing the hydraulic conductivity[]. This slows the rate of change in soil moisture content.		EPS affects evaporation and flow of water directly and through alterations to the functional soil structure. EPS resists evaporation and slows flow by absorbing and binding water tightly. Also, the biofilm structures formed with EPS can cause bioclogging of pores which blocks evaporation and mass flow of water by reducing the hydraulic conductivity<ref name=Deng_2015 /><ref name=Or_2007 />. This slows the overall rate of change in soil moisture content making for a more stable environment.

	===[[Soil Structures]]===		===[[Soil Structures]]===
	EPS production fills ~~soil~~ pore space which reduces the effective ~~average pore size~~[~~]. For the potential impacts of this see~~ [porosity]. Also, the swelling shrinking actions of EPS water intake and loss can alter the pore space but there remains a lack of literature differentiating this effect in bulk soil<ref name=Deng_2015 />.		EPS production fills pore space which reduces the effective [[porosity]] of the soil. Also, the swelling shrinking actions of EPS water intake and loss can alter the pore space but there remains a lack of literature differentiating this effect in bulk soil<ref name=Deng_2015 />.
	EPS plays a key role in soil [[aggregate formation]] by working as a cementing agent. This has the added effect of reducing soil slaking and increasing overall stability. This added stability can lower erosion rates and decrease nutrient runoff.		EPS plays a key role in soil [[aggregate formation]] by working as a cementing agent. This has the added effect of reducing soil slaking and increasing overall stability. This added stability can lower erosion rates and decrease nutrient runoff.

	===Plants===		===Plants===
	EPS ~~can help~~ microbes ~~hold onto~~ roots or in the [[rhizosphere]] and act as the medium for ~~free living [[diazotrophs]] and other moderately~~ symbiotic microbes to exchange nutrients in exchange for root exudates<ref name=Costa_2018 />. There is also evidence to suggest EPS assists in salinity tolerance for some plants.<ref name=Ashraf_2004>Ashraf, M., Hasnain, S., Berge, O., Mahmood, T., 2004. Inoculating wheat seedlings with exopolysaccharide-producing bacteria restricts sodium uptake and stimulates plant growth under salt stress. Biol Fertil Soils 40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-004-0766-y</ref>		EPS play a role in holding microbes to roots or in the [[rhizosphere]] and act as the medium for symbiotic microbes to exchange nutrients in exchange for root exudates<ref name=Costa_2018 />. The microbes, through the effects of EPS and release of nutrients, stimulate the the exudate release by the roots which introduces fresh carbon sources to the rhizosphere. There is also evidence to suggest EPS assists in salinity tolerance for some plants.<ref name=Ashraf_2004>Ashraf, M., Hasnain, S., Berge, O., Mahmood, T., 2004. Inoculating wheat seedlings with exopolysaccharide-producing bacteria restricts sodium uptake and stimulates plant growth under salt stress. Biol Fertil Soils 40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-004-0766-y</ref>

	===Agriculture===		===Agriculture===
	There is growing interest in using EPS producing bacteria ~~because they improve~~ soil particle aggregation which ~~improves~~ agricultural ~~soil health~~.<ref name=Costa_2018 />		There is growing interest in using EPS producing bacteria in agricultural settings. EPS improves soil particle aggregation which is an issue common to traditional agricultural practices in may parts of the world. Also, EPS producing bacteria improve nutrient availability to plants, increase water stability, and stimulate root growth.<ref name=Costa_2018 />

	==Analysis methods==		==Analysis methods==
	Cation exchange resin (CER) is currently considered the best method for accurately extracting EPS from soils.<ref name=Redmile-Gordon_2014>Redmile-Gordon, M.A., Brookes, P.C., Evershed, R.P., Goulding, K.W.T., Hirsch, P.R., 2014. Measuring the soil-microbial interface: Extraction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from soil biofilms. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 72, 163–171.</ref>		Cation exchange resin (CER) extraction is currently considered the best method for accurately extracting EPS from soils.<ref name=Redmile-Gordon_2014>Redmile-Gordon, M.A., Brookes, P.C., Evershed, R.P., Goulding, K.W.T., Hirsch, P.R., 2014. Measuring the soil-microbial interface: Extraction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from soil biofilms. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 72, 163–171.</ref>This method shows the highest efficency with the least amount of modification to the original EPS composition when compared to other methods. This method works by replacing cations in the material being sampled. This destabilizes the structure and allows for separation through filtration and/or centrifuge.

Mchitchc at 04:12, 7 May 2021

2021-05-07T04:12:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:12, 7 May 2021
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	''' Overview '''		''' Overview '''

	Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a group of substances exuded by [[microorganisms]] in order to form biofilms. The major components are extracellular polysaccharides (sometimes also called EPS), proteins, DNA, enzymes, lipids, and other biopolymers<ref name=Flemming_2010>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., 2010. The biofilm matrix. Nat Rev Microbiol 8, 623–633. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro2415</ref>. EPS accounts for 90% of biofilm dry mass and constitutes the matrix of the biofilm<ref name=Flemming_2010 />. Biofilms are micro-habitats that keep microbes attached to a substrate<ref name=Azeredo_2000> Azeredo, J., Oliveira, R., 2000. The role of exopolymers in the attachment of sphingomonas paucimobilis. Biofouling 16, 59–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927010009378430</ref>, provide protection from desiccation<ref>Tamaru, Y., Takani, Y., Yoshida, T., Sakamoto, T., 2005. Crucial Role of Extracellular Polysaccharides in Desiccation and Freezing Tolerance in the Terrestrial Cyanobacterium Nostoc commune. AEM 71, 7327–7333. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.71.11.7327-7333.2005</ref><ref name=Roberson_1992>Roberson, E.B., Firestone, M.K., 1992. Relationship between Desiccation and Exopolysaccharide Production in a Soil Pseudomonas sp. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 58, 1284–1291. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.58.4.1284-1291.1992</ref>, and play a key role in [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]<ref>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., Szewzyk, U., Steinberg, P., Rice, S.A., Kjelleberg, S., 2016. Biofilms: an emergent form of bacterial life. Nat Rev Microbiol 14, 563–575. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2016.94</ref>. EPS is known to alter the structure <ref name=Azeredo_2000 /><ref name=Mager_2011>Mager, D.M., Thomas, A.D., 2011. Extracellular polysaccharides from cyanobacterial soil crusts: A review of their role in dryland [[soil processes]]. Journal of Arid Environments 75, 91–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2010.10.001</ref>, hydrology <ref name=Roberson_1992 /><ref name=Morales_2010>Morales, V.L., Parlange, J.-Y., Steenhuis, T.S., 2010. Are preferential flow paths perpetuated by microbial activity in the soil matrix? A review. Journal of Hydrology 393, 29–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.12.048</ref><ref name=Or_2007>r, D., Phutane, S., Dechesne, A., 2007. Extracellular Polymeric Substances Affecting Pore-Scale Hydrologic Conditions for Bacterial Activity in Unsaturated Soils. Vadose Zone Journal 6, 298–305. https://doi.org/10.2136/vzj2006.0080</ref><ref name=Deng_2015>Deng, J., Orner, E.P., Chau, J.F., Anderson, E.M., Kadilak, A.L., Rubinstein, R.L., Bouchillon, G.M., Goodwin, R.A., Gage, D.J., Shor, L.M., 2015. Synergistic effects of soil microstructure and bacterial EPS on drying rate</ref>, and composition <ref name=Mager_2011 /><ref name=Gunina_2015>Gunina, A., Kuzyakov, Y., 2015. Sugars in soil and sweets for microorganisms: Review of origin, content, composition and fate. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 90, 87–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2015.07.021</ref><ref name=Costa_2018>Costa, O.Y.A., Raaijmakers, J.M., Kuramae, E.E., 2018. Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances: Ecological Function and Impact on Soil Aggregation. Front. Microbiol. 9, 1636. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01636</ref> of soils. It is important in [[aggregate formation]] and acts as an interface between [[soil]] and plant interactions with microbes. At the soil interface EPS facilitates chemical reactions and transportation of nutrients. At the plant interface EPS acts as the exchange media through which plant exudates and microbial secretions can be exchanged.		Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a group of substances exuded by [[microorganisms]] in order to form biofilms. The major components are extracellular polysaccharides (sometimes also called EPS), proteins, DNA, enzymes, lipids, and other biopolymers<ref name=Flemming_2010>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., 2010. The biofilm matrix. Nat Rev Microbiol 8, 623–633. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro2415</ref>. EPS accounts for 90% of biofilm dry mass and constitutes the matrix of the biofilm<ref name=Flemming_2010 />. Biofilms are micro-habitats that keep microbes attached to a substrate<ref name=Azeredo_2000> Azeredo, J., Oliveira, R., 2000. The role of exopolymers in the attachment of sphingomonas paucimobilis. Biofouling 16, 59–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927010009378430</ref>, provide protection from desiccation<ref>Tamaru, Y., Takani, Y., Yoshida, T., Sakamoto, T., 2005. Crucial Role of Extracellular Polysaccharides in Desiccation and Freezing Tolerance in the Terrestrial Cyanobacterium Nostoc commune. AEM 71, 7327–7333. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.71.11.7327-7333.2005</ref><ref name=Roberson_1992>Roberson, E.B., Firestone, M.K., 1992. Relationship between Desiccation and Exopolysaccharide Production in a Soil Pseudomonas sp. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 58, 1284–1291. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.58.4.1284-1291.1992</ref>, and play a key role in [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]<ref name=Flemming_2016>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., Szewzyk, U., Steinberg, P., Rice, S.A., Kjelleberg, S., 2016. Biofilms: an emergent form of bacterial life. Nat Rev Microbiol 14, 563–575. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2016.94</ref>. EPS is known to alter the structure <ref name=Azeredo_2000 /><ref name=Mager_2011>Mager, D.M., Thomas, A.D., 2011. Extracellular polysaccharides from cyanobacterial soil crusts: A review of their role in dryland [[soil processes]]. Journal of Arid Environments 75, 91–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2010.10.001</ref>, hydrology <ref name=Roberson_1992 /><ref name=Morales_2010>Morales, V.L., Parlange, J.-Y., Steenhuis, T.S., 2010. Are preferential flow paths perpetuated by microbial activity in the soil matrix? A review. Journal of Hydrology 393, 29–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.12.048</ref><ref name=Or_2007>r, D., Phutane, S., Dechesne, A., 2007. Extracellular Polymeric Substances Affecting Pore-Scale Hydrologic Conditions for Bacterial Activity in Unsaturated Soils. Vadose Zone Journal 6, 298–305. https://doi.org/10.2136/vzj2006.0080</ref><ref name=Deng_2015>Deng, J., Orner, E.P., Chau, J.F., Anderson, E.M., Kadilak, A.L., Rubinstein, R.L., Bouchillon, G.M., Goodwin, R.A., Gage, D.J., Shor, L.M., 2015. Synergistic effects of soil microstructure and bacterial EPS on drying rate</ref>, and composition <ref name=Mager_2011 /><ref name=Gunina_2015>Gunina, A., Kuzyakov, Y., 2015. Sugars in soil and sweets for microorganisms: Review of origin, content, composition and fate. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 90, 87–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2015.07.021</ref><ref name=Costa_2018>Costa, O.Y.A., Raaijmakers, J.M., Kuramae, E.E., 2018. Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances: Ecological Function and Impact on Soil Aggregation. Front. Microbiol. 9, 1636. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01636</ref> of soils. It is important in [[aggregate formation]] and acts as an interface between [[soil]] and plant interactions with microbes. At the soil interface EPS facilitates chemical reactions and transportation of nutrients. At the plant interface EPS acts as the exchange media through which plant exudates and microbial secretions can be exchanged.

	== Functions ==		== Functions ==
	[[File:fmicb-09-01636-g002.jpg\|thumb\|left\|EPS works at the smallest levels of soil aggregate formation[Costa et al. 2018]]]		[[File:fmicb-09-01636-g002.jpg\|thumb\|left\|EPS works at the smallest levels of soil aggregate formation[Costa et al. 2018]]]
	===Habitat stability===		===Habitat stability===
	The suspected primary role of EPS is to create stable habitat bound to a desired substrate[]. EPS is the matrix structure of biofilms. Biofilms are very effective at retaining water in soils even with very negative water potentials.[] This allows microbes to resist desiccation during drought periods. EPS can also stabilize pH and reduce the amount of nutrients lost to runoff by binding to them.		The suspected primary role of EPS is to create stable habitat bound to a desired substrate<ref name=Flemming_2016 />. EPS is the matrix structure of biofilms. Biofilms are very effective at retaining water in soils even with very negative water potentials.<ref name=Or_2007 /> This allows microbes to resist desiccation during drought periods. EPS can also stabilize pH and reduce the amount of nutrients lost to runoff by binding to them.

	===Chemical reactions===		===Chemical reactions===
	EPS provides a stable interface for soil microbes to chemically work on attached substrate and suspended materials. In addition EPS itself is a store of carbon and other nutrients. The binding nature of EPS also helps reduce nutrient loss in soils from runoff.[]		EPS provides a stable interface for soil microbes to chemically work on attached substrate and suspended materials. In addition EPS itself is a store of carbon and other nutrients. The binding nature of EPS also helps reduce nutrient loss in soils from runoff.<ref>Lin, D., Ma, W., Jin, Z., Wang, Y., Huang, Q., Cai, P., 2016. Interactions of EPS with soil minerals: A combination study by ITC and CLSM. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 138, 10–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.11.026</ref>

	[[File:fmicb-09-01636-g001.jpg\|thumb\|right\|~~theoretical~~ functions of soil EPS<ref name=Costa_2018 />]]		[[File:fmicb-09-01636-g001.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Theoretical functions of soil EPS<ref name=Costa_2018 />]]
	===Hydrology===		===Hydrology===
	EPS resists evaporation by binding the water tightly[]. The biofilms formed with EPS can cause bioclogging of pores which resists evaporation and mass flow of water by reducing the hydraulic conductivity[]. This slows the rate of change in soil moisture content.		EPS resists evaporation by binding the water tightly[]. The biofilms formed with EPS can cause bioclogging of pores which resists evaporation and mass flow of water by reducing the hydraulic conductivity[]. This slows the rate of change in soil moisture content.

	===[[Soil Structures]]===		===[[Soil Structures]]===
	EPS production fills soil pore space which reduces the effective average pore size[]. For the potential impacts of this see [porosity]. Also, the swelling shrinking actions of EPS water intake and loss can alter the pore space but there remains a lack of literature differentiating this effect in bulk soil[].		EPS production fills soil pore space which reduces the effective average pore size[]. For the potential impacts of this see [porosity]. Also, the swelling shrinking actions of EPS water intake and loss can alter the pore space but there remains a lack of literature differentiating this effect in bulk soil<ref name=Deng_2015 />.
	EPS plays a key role in soil [[aggregate formation]] by working as a cementing agent. This has the added effect of reducing soil slaking and increasing overall stability. This added stability can lower erosion rates and decrease nutrient runoff.		EPS plays a key role in soil [[aggregate formation]] by working as a cementing agent. This has the added effect of reducing soil slaking and increasing overall stability. This added stability can lower erosion rates and decrease nutrient runoff.

	===Plants===		===Plants===
	EPS can help microbes hold onto roots or in the [[rhizosphere]] and act as the medium for free living [[diazotrophs]] and other moderately symbiotic microbes to exchange nutrients in exchange for root exudates[]. There is also evidence to suggest EPS assists in salinity tolerance for some plants.<ref name=Ashraf_2004>Ashraf, M., Hasnain, S., Berge, O., Mahmood, T., 2004. Inoculating wheat seedlings with exopolysaccharide-producing bacteria restricts sodium uptake and stimulates plant growth under salt stress. Biol Fertil Soils 40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-004-0766-y</ref>		EPS can help microbes hold onto roots or in the [[rhizosphere]] and act as the medium for free living [[diazotrophs]] and other moderately symbiotic microbes to exchange nutrients in exchange for root exudates<ref name=Costa_2018 />. There is also evidence to suggest EPS assists in salinity tolerance for some plants.<ref name=Ashraf_2004>Ashraf, M., Hasnain, S., Berge, O., Mahmood, T., 2004. Inoculating wheat seedlings with exopolysaccharide-producing bacteria restricts sodium uptake and stimulates plant growth under salt stress. Biol Fertil Soils 40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-004-0766-y</ref>

	===Agriculture===		===Agriculture===

Mchitchc at 15:23, 6 May 2021

2021-05-06T15:23:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:23, 6 May 2021
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	~~<!-- PLEASE IGNORE THE CITATIONS I am tryin to fix them to work like they are supposed to so in the mean time they look like this mess-->~~
	[[File:Mixed-culture biofilm.jpg\|thumb\|right\|EPS binding soil particles taken by an election scanning microscope.<ref>Aalexopo, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Biofilm_Formation.jpg.CC BY-SA 3.0</ref> The spherical and tube shapes are soil micorbes and the connecting structure is made out of EPS]]		[[File:Mixed-culture biofilm.jpg\|thumb\|right\|EPS binding soil particles taken by an election scanning microscope.<ref>Aalexopo, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Biofilm_Formation.jpg.CC BY-SA 3.0</ref> The spherical and tube shapes are soil micorbes and the connecting structure is made out of EPS]]
	~~= Overview =~~
	~~[[File:fmicb-09-01636-g001.jpg\|thumb\|right\|theoretical functions of soil EPS<ref name=Costa_2018 />]]~~

			''' Overview '''

	Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a group of substances exuded by [[microorganisms]] in order to form biofilms. The major components are extracellular polysaccharides (sometimes also called EPS), proteins, DNA, enzymes, lipids, and other biopolymers<ref name=Flemming_2010>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., 2010. The biofilm matrix. Nat Rev Microbiol 8, 623–633. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro2415</ref>. EPS accounts for 90% of biofilm dry mass and constitutes the matrix of the biofilm<ref name=Flemming_2010 />. Biofilms are micro-habitats that keep microbes attached to a substrate<ref name=Azeredo_2000> Azeredo, J., Oliveira, R., 2000. The role of exopolymers in the attachment of sphingomonas paucimobilis. Biofouling 16, 59–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927010009378430</ref>, provide protection from desiccation<ref>Tamaru, Y., Takani, Y., Yoshida, T., Sakamoto, T., 2005. Crucial Role of Extracellular Polysaccharides in Desiccation and Freezing Tolerance in the Terrestrial Cyanobacterium Nostoc commune. AEM 71, 7327–7333. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.71.11.7327-7333.2005</ref><ref name=Roberson_1992>Roberson, E.B., Firestone, M.K., 1992. Relationship between Desiccation and Exopolysaccharide Production in a Soil Pseudomonas sp. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 58, 1284–1291. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.58.4.1284-1291.1992</ref>, and play a key role in [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]<ref>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., Szewzyk, U., Steinberg, P., Rice, S.A., Kjelleberg, S., 2016. Biofilms: an emergent form of bacterial life. Nat Rev Microbiol 14, 563–575. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2016.94</ref>. EPS is known to alter the structure <ref name=Azeredo_2000 /><ref name=Mager_2011>Mager, D.M., Thomas, A.D., 2011. Extracellular polysaccharides from cyanobacterial soil crusts: A review of their role in dryland [[soil processes]]. Journal of Arid Environments 75, 91–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2010.10.001</ref>, hydrology <ref name=Roberson_1992 /><ref name=Morales_2010>Morales, V.L., Parlange, J.-Y., Steenhuis, T.S., 2010. Are preferential flow paths perpetuated by microbial activity in the soil matrix? A review. Journal of Hydrology 393, 29–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.12.048</ref><ref name=Or_2007>r, D., Phutane, S., Dechesne, A., 2007. Extracellular Polymeric Substances Affecting Pore-Scale Hydrologic Conditions for Bacterial Activity in Unsaturated Soils. Vadose Zone Journal 6, 298–305. https://doi.org/10.2136/vzj2006.0080</ref><ref name=Deng_2015>Deng, J., Orner, E.P., Chau, J.F., Anderson, E.M., Kadilak, A.L., Rubinstein, R.L., Bouchillon, G.M., Goodwin, R.A., Gage, D.J., Shor, L.M., 2015. Synergistic effects of soil microstructure and bacterial EPS on drying rate</ref>, and composition <ref name=Mager_2011 /><ref name=Gunina_2015>Gunina, A., Kuzyakov, Y., 2015. Sugars in soil and sweets for microorganisms: Review of origin, content, composition and fate. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 90, 87–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2015.07.021</ref><ref name=Costa_2018>Costa, O.Y.A., Raaijmakers, J.M., Kuramae, E.E., 2018. Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances: Ecological Function and Impact on Soil Aggregation. Front. Microbiol. 9, 1636. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01636</ref> of soils. It is important in [[aggregate formation]] and acts as an interface between [[soil]] and plant interactions with microbes. At the soil interface EPS facilitates chemical reactions and transportation of nutrients. At the plant interface EPS acts as the exchange media through which plant exudates and microbial secretions can be exchanged.		Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a group of substances exuded by [[microorganisms]] in order to form biofilms. The major components are extracellular polysaccharides (sometimes also called EPS), proteins, DNA, enzymes, lipids, and other biopolymers<ref name=Flemming_2010>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., 2010. The biofilm matrix. Nat Rev Microbiol 8, 623–633. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro2415</ref>. EPS accounts for 90% of biofilm dry mass and constitutes the matrix of the biofilm<ref name=Flemming_2010 />. Biofilms are micro-habitats that keep microbes attached to a substrate<ref name=Azeredo_2000> Azeredo, J., Oliveira, R., 2000. The role of exopolymers in the attachment of sphingomonas paucimobilis. Biofouling 16, 59–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927010009378430</ref>, provide protection from desiccation<ref>Tamaru, Y., Takani, Y., Yoshida, T., Sakamoto, T., 2005. Crucial Role of Extracellular Polysaccharides in Desiccation and Freezing Tolerance in the Terrestrial Cyanobacterium Nostoc commune. AEM 71, 7327–7333. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.71.11.7327-7333.2005</ref><ref name=Roberson_1992>Roberson, E.B., Firestone, M.K., 1992. Relationship between Desiccation and Exopolysaccharide Production in a Soil Pseudomonas sp. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 58, 1284–1291. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.58.4.1284-1291.1992</ref>, and play a key role in [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]<ref>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., Szewzyk, U., Steinberg, P., Rice, S.A., Kjelleberg, S., 2016. Biofilms: an emergent form of bacterial life. Nat Rev Microbiol 14, 563–575. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2016.94</ref>. EPS is known to alter the structure <ref name=Azeredo_2000 /><ref name=Mager_2011>Mager, D.M., Thomas, A.D., 2011. Extracellular polysaccharides from cyanobacterial soil crusts: A review of their role in dryland [[soil processes]]. Journal of Arid Environments 75, 91–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2010.10.001</ref>, hydrology <ref name=Roberson_1992 /><ref name=Morales_2010>Morales, V.L., Parlange, J.-Y., Steenhuis, T.S., 2010. Are preferential flow paths perpetuated by microbial activity in the soil matrix? A review. Journal of Hydrology 393, 29–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.12.048</ref><ref name=Or_2007>r, D., Phutane, S., Dechesne, A., 2007. Extracellular Polymeric Substances Affecting Pore-Scale Hydrologic Conditions for Bacterial Activity in Unsaturated Soils. Vadose Zone Journal 6, 298–305. https://doi.org/10.2136/vzj2006.0080</ref><ref name=Deng_2015>Deng, J., Orner, E.P., Chau, J.F., Anderson, E.M., Kadilak, A.L., Rubinstein, R.L., Bouchillon, G.M., Goodwin, R.A., Gage, D.J., Shor, L.M., 2015. Synergistic effects of soil microstructure and bacterial EPS on drying rate</ref>, and composition <ref name=Mager_2011 /><ref name=Gunina_2015>Gunina, A., Kuzyakov, Y., 2015. Sugars in soil and sweets for microorganisms: Review of origin, content, composition and fate. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 90, 87–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2015.07.021</ref><ref name=Costa_2018>Costa, O.Y.A., Raaijmakers, J.M., Kuramae, E.E., 2018. Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances: Ecological Function and Impact on Soil Aggregation. Front. Microbiol. 9, 1636. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01636</ref> of soils. It is important in [[aggregate formation]] and acts as an interface between [[soil]] and plant interactions with microbes. At the soil interface EPS facilitates chemical reactions and transportation of nutrients. At the plant interface EPS acts as the exchange media through which plant exudates and microbial secretions can be exchanged.



	== Functions ==		== Functions ==
Line 19:		Line 14:
	EPS provides a stable interface for soil microbes to chemically work on attached substrate and suspended materials. In addition EPS itself is a store of carbon and other nutrients. The binding nature of EPS also helps reduce nutrient loss in soils from runoff.[]		EPS provides a stable interface for soil microbes to chemically work on attached substrate and suspended materials. In addition EPS itself is a store of carbon and other nutrients. The binding nature of EPS also helps reduce nutrient loss in soils from runoff.[]

			[[File:fmicb-09-01636-g001.jpg\|thumb\|right\|theoretical functions of soil EPS<ref name=Costa_2018 />]]
	===Hydrology===		===Hydrology===
	EPS resists evaporation by binding the water tightly[]. The biofilms formed with EPS can cause bioclogging of pores which resists evaporation and mass flow of water by reducing the hydraulic conductivity[]. This slows the rate of change in soil moisture content.		EPS resists evaporation by binding the water tightly[]. The biofilms formed with EPS can cause bioclogging of pores which resists evaporation and mass flow of water by reducing the hydraulic conductivity[]. This slows the rate of change in soil moisture content.

Mchitchc at 15:12, 6 May 2021

2021-05-06T15:12:05Z

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	<!-- PLEASE IGNORE THE CITATIONS I am tryin to fix them to work like they are supposed to so in the mean time they look like this mess-->		<!-- PLEASE IGNORE THE CITATIONS I am tryin to fix them to work like they are supposed to so in the mean time they look like this mess-->
	[[File:Mixed-culture biofilm.jpg\|thumb\|right\|EPS binding soil particles taken by an election scanning microscope.[]]]		[[File:Mixed-culture biofilm.jpg\|thumb\|right\|EPS binding soil particles taken by an election scanning microscope.<ref>Aalexopo, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Biofilm_Formation.jpg.CC BY-SA 3.0</ref> The spherical and tube shapes are soil micorbes and the connecting structure is made out of EPS]]
	= Overview =		= Overview =
	[[File:fmicb-09-01636-g001.jpg\|thumb\|right\|theoretical functions of soil EPS<ref name=Costa_2018 />]]		[[File:fmicb-09-01636-g001.jpg\|thumb\|right\|theoretical functions of soil EPS<ref name=Costa_2018 />]]

Mchitchc at 15:56, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T15:56:41Z

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	[[File:Mixed-culture biofilm.jpg\|thumb\|right\|EPS binding soil particles taken by an election scanning microscope.[]]]		[[File:Mixed-culture biofilm.jpg\|thumb\|right\|EPS binding soil particles taken by an election scanning microscope.[]]]
	= Overview =		= Overview =
	[[File:fmicb-09-01636-g001.jpg\|thumb\|right\|theoretical functions of soil EPS~~[Costa et al 2018]~~]]		[[File:fmicb-09-01636-g001.jpg\|thumb\|right\|theoretical functions of soil EPS<ref name=Costa_2018 />]]


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	===Plants===		===Plants===
	EPS can help microbes hold onto roots or in the [[rhizosphere]] and act as the medium for free living [[diazotrophs]] and other moderately symbiotic microbes to exchange nutrients in exchange for root exudates[]. There is also evidence to suggest EPS assists in salinity tolerance for some plants.[(Ashraf ~~et al~~. 2004)]		EPS can help microbes hold onto roots or in the [[rhizosphere]] and act as the medium for free living [[diazotrophs]] and other moderately symbiotic microbes to exchange nutrients in exchange for root exudates[]. There is also evidence to suggest EPS assists in salinity tolerance for some plants.<ref name=Ashraf_2004>Ashraf, M., Hasnain, S., Berge, O., Mahmood, T., 2004. Inoculating wheat seedlings with exopolysaccharide-producing bacteria restricts sodium uptake and stimulates plant growth under salt stress. Biol Fertil Soils 40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-004-0766-y</ref>

	===Agriculture===		===Agriculture===
	There is growing interest in using EPS producing bacteria because they improve soil particle aggregation which improves agricultural soil health.~~[(Costa et al. 2018)]~~		There is growing interest in using EPS producing bacteria because they improve soil particle aggregation which improves agricultural soil health.<ref name=Costa_2018 />

	==Analysis methods==		==Analysis methods==
	Cation exchange resin (CER) is currently considered the best method for accurately extracting EPS from soils.[(Redmile-Gordon ~~et al~~. 2014)]		Cation exchange resin (CER) is currently considered the best method for accurately extracting EPS from soils.<ref name=Redmile-Gordon_2014>Redmile-Gordon, M.A., Brookes, P.C., Evershed, R.P., Goulding, K.W.T., Hirsch, P.R., 2014. Measuring the soil-microbial interface: Extraction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from soil biofilms. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 72, 163–171.</ref>

Mchitchc at 15:51, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T15:51:18Z

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	Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a group of substances exuded by [[microorganisms]] in order to form biofilms. The major components are extracellular polysaccharides (sometimes also called EPS), proteins, DNA, enzymes, lipids, and other biopolymers<ref name=Flemming_2010>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., 2010. The biofilm matrix. Nat Rev Microbiol 8, 623–633. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro2415</ref>. EPS accounts for 90% of biofilm dry mass and constitutes the matrix of the biofilm<ref name=Flemming_2010 />. Biofilms are micro-habitats that keep microbes attached to a substrate<ref> Azeredo, J., Oliveira, R., 2000. The role of exopolymers in the attachment of sphingomonas paucimobilis. Biofouling 16, 59–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927010009378430</ref>, provide protection from desiccation<ref>Tamaru, Y., Takani, Y., Yoshida, T., Sakamoto, T., 2005. Crucial Role of Extracellular Polysaccharides in Desiccation and Freezing Tolerance in the Terrestrial Cyanobacterium Nostoc commune. AEM 71, 7327–7333. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.71.11.7327-7333.2005</ref><ref name=Roberson_1992>Roberson, E.B., Firestone, M.K., 1992. Relationship between Desiccation and Exopolysaccharide Production in a Soil Pseudomonas sp. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 58, 1284–1291. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.58.4.1284-1291.1992</ref>, and play a key role in [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]~~[5]~~. EPS is known to alter the structure [2,6], hydrology <ref name=Roberson_1992 />[7,8,~~11]~~, and composition [6,9,10] of soils. It is important in [[aggregate formation]] and acts as an interface between [[soil]] and plant interactions with microbes. At the soil interface EPS facilitates chemical reactions and transportation of nutrients. At the plant interface EPS acts as the exchange media through which plant exudates and microbial secretions can be exchanged.		Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a group of substances exuded by [[microorganisms]] in order to form biofilms. The major components are extracellular polysaccharides (sometimes also called EPS), proteins, DNA, enzymes, lipids, and other biopolymers<ref name=Flemming_2010>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., 2010. The biofilm matrix. Nat Rev Microbiol 8, 623–633. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro2415</ref>. EPS accounts for 90% of biofilm dry mass and constitutes the matrix of the biofilm<ref name=Flemming_2010 />. Biofilms are micro-habitats that keep microbes attached to a substrate<ref name=Azeredo_2000> Azeredo, J., Oliveira, R., 2000. The role of exopolymers in the attachment of sphingomonas paucimobilis. Biofouling 16, 59–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927010009378430</ref>, provide protection from desiccation<ref>Tamaru, Y., Takani, Y., Yoshida, T., Sakamoto, T., 2005. Crucial Role of Extracellular Polysaccharides in Desiccation and Freezing Tolerance in the Terrestrial Cyanobacterium Nostoc commune. AEM 71, 7327–7333. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.71.11.7327-7333.2005</ref><ref name=Roberson_1992>Roberson, E.B., Firestone, M.K., 1992. Relationship between Desiccation and Exopolysaccharide Production in a Soil Pseudomonas sp. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 58, 1284–1291. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.58.4.1284-1291.1992</ref>, and play a key role in [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]]<ref>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., Szewzyk, U., Steinberg, P., Rice, S.A., Kjelleberg, S., 2016. Biofilms: an emergent form of bacterial life. Nat Rev Microbiol 14, 563–575. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2016.94</ref>. EPS is known to alter the structure <ref name=Azeredo_2000 /><ref name=Mager_2011>Mager, D.M., Thomas, A.D., 2011. Extracellular polysaccharides from cyanobacterial soil crusts: A review of their role in dryland [[soil processes]]. Journal of Arid Environments 75, 91–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2010.10.001</ref>, hydrology <ref name=Roberson_1992 /><ref name=Morales_2010>Morales, V.L., Parlange, J.-Y., Steenhuis, T.S., 2010. Are preferential flow paths perpetuated by microbial activity in the soil matrix? A review. Journal of Hydrology 393, 29–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.12.048</ref><ref name=Or_2007>r, D., Phutane, S., Dechesne, A., 2007. Extracellular Polymeric Substances Affecting Pore-Scale Hydrologic Conditions for Bacterial Activity in Unsaturated Soils. Vadose Zone Journal 6, 298–305. https://doi.org/10.2136/vzj2006.0080</ref><ref name=Deng_2015>Deng, J., Orner, E.P., Chau, J.F., Anderson, E.M., Kadilak, A.L., Rubinstein, R.L., Bouchillon, G.M., Goodwin, R.A., Gage, D.J., Shor, L.M., 2015. Synergistic effects of soil microstructure and bacterial EPS on drying rate</ref>, and composition <ref name=Mager_2011 /><ref name=Gunina_2015>Gunina, A., Kuzyakov, Y., 2015. Sugars in soil and sweets for microorganisms: Review of origin, content, composition and fate. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 90, 87–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2015.07.021</ref><ref name=Costa_2018>Costa, O.Y.A., Raaijmakers, J.M., Kuramae, E.E., 2018. Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances: Ecological Function and Impact on Soil Aggregation. Front. Microbiol. 9, 1636. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01636</ref> of soils. It is important in [[aggregate formation]] and acts as an interface between [[soil]] and plant interactions with microbes. At the soil interface EPS facilitates chemical reactions and transportation of nutrients. At the plant interface EPS acts as the exchange media through which plant exudates and microbial secretions can be exchanged.

Mchitchc at 15:43, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T15:43:35Z

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	Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a group of substances exuded by [[microorganisms]] in order to form biofilms. The major components are extracellular polysaccharides (sometimes also called EPS), proteins, DNA, enzymes, lipids, and other biopolymers<ref name=Flemming_2010>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., 2010. The biofilm matrix. Nat Rev Microbiol 8, 623–633. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro2415</ref>. EPS accounts for 90% of biofilm dry mass and constitutes the matrix of the biofilm<ref name=Flemming_2010 />. Biofilms are micro-habitats that keep microbes attached to a substrate<ref> Azeredo, J., Oliveira, R., 2000. The role of exopolymers in the attachment of sphingomonas paucimobilis. Biofouling 16, 59–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927010009378430</ref>, provide protection from desiccation[3,4], and play a key role in [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]][5]. EPS is known to alter the structure [2,6], hydrology [4,7,8,11], and composition [6,9,10] of soils. It is important in [[aggregate formation]] and acts as an interface between [[soil]] and plant interactions with microbes. At the soil interface EPS facilitates chemical reactions and transportation of nutrients. At the plant interface EPS acts as the exchange media through which plant exudates and microbial secretions can be exchanged.		Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a group of substances exuded by [[microorganisms]] in order to form biofilms. The major components are extracellular polysaccharides (sometimes also called EPS), proteins, DNA, enzymes, lipids, and other biopolymers<ref name=Flemming_2010>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., 2010. The biofilm matrix. Nat Rev Microbiol 8, 623–633. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro2415</ref>. EPS accounts for 90% of biofilm dry mass and constitutes the matrix of the biofilm<ref name=Flemming_2010 />. Biofilms are micro-habitats that keep microbes attached to a substrate<ref> Azeredo, J., Oliveira, R., 2000. The role of exopolymers in the attachment of sphingomonas paucimobilis. Biofouling 16, 59–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927010009378430</ref>, provide protection from desiccation<ref>Tamaru, Y., Takani, Y., Yoshida, T., Sakamoto, T., 2005. Crucial Role of Extracellular Polysaccharides in Desiccation and Freezing Tolerance in the Terrestrial Cyanobacterium Nostoc commune. AEM 71, 7327–7333. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.71.11.7327-7333.2005</ref><ref name=Roberson_1992>Roberson, E.B., Firestone, M.K., 1992. Relationship between Desiccation and Exopolysaccharide Production in a Soil Pseudomonas sp. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 58, 1284–1291. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.58.4.1284-1291.1992</ref>, and play a key role in [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]][5]. EPS is known to alter the structure [2,6], hydrology <ref name=Roberson_1992 />[7,8,11], and composition [6,9,10] of soils. It is important in [[aggregate formation]] and acts as an interface between [[soil]] and plant interactions with microbes. At the soil interface EPS facilitates chemical reactions and transportation of nutrients. At the plant interface EPS acts as the exchange media through which plant exudates and microbial secretions can be exchanged.

Mchitchc at 15:39, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T15:39:57Z

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	Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a group of substances exuded by [[microorganisms]] in order to form biofilms. The major components are extracellular polysaccharides (sometimes also called EPS), proteins, DNA, enzymes, lipids, and other biopolymers~~[1]~~. EPS accounts for 90% of biofilm dry mass and constitutes the matrix of the biofilm~~[1]~~. Biofilms are micro-habitats that keep microbes attached to a substrate~~[2]~~, provide protection from desiccation[3,4], and play a key role in [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]][5]. EPS is known to alter the structure [2,6], hydrology [4,7,8,11], and composition [6,9,10] of soils. It is important in [[aggregate formation]] and acts as an interface between [[soil]] and plant interactions with microbes. At the soil interface EPS facilitates chemical reactions and transportation of nutrients. At the plant interface EPS acts as the exchange media through which plant exudates and microbial secretions can be exchanged.		Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a group of substances exuded by [[microorganisms]] in order to form biofilms. The major components are extracellular polysaccharides (sometimes also called EPS), proteins, DNA, enzymes, lipids, and other biopolymers<ref name=Flemming_2010>Flemming, H.-C., Wingender, J., 2010. The biofilm matrix. Nat Rev Microbiol 8, 623–633. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro2415</ref>. EPS accounts for 90% of biofilm dry mass and constitutes the matrix of the biofilm<ref name=Flemming_2010 />. Biofilms are micro-habitats that keep microbes attached to a substrate<ref> Azeredo, J., Oliveira, R., 2000. The role of exopolymers in the attachment of sphingomonas paucimobilis. Biofouling 16, 59–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927010009378430</ref>, provide protection from desiccation[3,4], and play a key role in [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]][5]. EPS is known to alter the structure [2,6], hydrology [4,7,8,11], and composition [6,9,10] of soils. It is important in [[aggregate formation]] and acts as an interface between [[soil]] and plant interactions with microbes. At the soil interface EPS facilitates chemical reactions and transportation of nutrients. At the plant interface EPS acts as the exchange media through which plant exudates and microbial secretions can be exchanged.


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	[8]<ref>{{Cite journal\| doi = 10.2136/vzj2006.0080\| issn = 1539-1663\| volume = 6\| issue = 2\| pages = 298–305\| last1 = Or\| first1 = Dani\| last2 = Phutane\| first2 = Sachin\| last3 = Dechesne\| first3 = Arnaud\| title = Extracellular Polymeric Substances Affecting Pore-Scale Hydrologic Conditions for Bacterial Activity in Unsaturated Soils\| journal = Vadose Zone Journal\| accessdate = 2020-10-20\| date = 2007\| url = https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2136/vzj2006.0080}}</ref>

Mchitchc at 15:06, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T15:06:24Z

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 	Cation exchange resin (CER) is currently considered the best method for accurately extracting EPS from soils.[(Redmile-Gordon et al. 2014)]
-[8]{{Cite journal| doi = 10.2136/vzj2006.0080| issn = 1539-1663| volume = 6| issue = 2| pages = 298–305| last1 = Or| first1 = Dani| last2 = Phutane| first2 = Sachin| last3 = Dechesne| first3 = Arnaud| title = Extracellular Polymeric Substances Affecting Pore-Scale Hydrologic Conditions for Bacterial Activity in Unsaturated Soils| journal = Vadose Zone Journal| accessdate = 2020-10-20| date = 2007| url = https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2136/vzj2006.0080}}
+[8]<ref>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.2136/vzj2006.0080| issn = 1539-1663| volume = 6| issue = 2| pages = 298–305| last1 = Or| first1 = Dani| last2 = Phutane| first2 = Sachin| last3 = Dechesne| first3 = Arnaud| title = Extracellular Polymeric Substances Affecting Pore-Scale Hydrologic Conditions for Bacterial Activity in Unsaturated Soils| journal = Vadose Zone Journal| accessdate = 2020-10-20| date = 2007| url = https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2136/vzj2006.0080}}</ref>
-{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1007/s11104-011-1039-9| issn = 0032-079X, 1573-5036| volume = 352| issue = 1-2| pages = 1–22| last1 = Mooney| first1 = S. J.| last2 = Pridmore| first2 = T. P.| last3 = Helliwell| first3 = J.| last4 = Bennett| first4 = M. J.| title = Developing X-ray Computed Tomography to non-invasively image 3-D root systems architecture in soil| journal = Plant and Soil| accessdate = 2021-03-07| date = 2012-03| url = http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11104-011-1039-9}}
+==References==
+{{reflist}}

Njhenshu: The LinkTitles extension automatically added links to existing pages (https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles).

2021-04-29T17:07:18Z

The LinkTitles extension automatically added links to existing pages (<a rel="nofollow" class="external free" href="https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles">https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles</a>).

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:07, 29 April 2021
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	Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a group of substances exuded by [[microorganisms]] in order to form biofilms. The major components are extracellular polysaccharides (sometimes also called EPS), proteins, DNA, enzymes, lipids, and other biopolymers[1]. EPS accounts for 90% of biofilm dry mass and constitutes the matrix of the biofilm[1]. Biofilms are micro-habitats that keep microbes attached to a substrate[2], provide protection from desiccation[3,4], and play a key role in nutrient cycling[5]. EPS is known to alter the structure [2,6], hydrology [4,7,8,11], and composition [6,9,10] of soils. It is important in [[aggregate formation]] and acts as an interface between [[soil]] and plant interactions with microbes. At the soil interface EPS facilitates chemical reactions and transportation of nutrients. At the plant interface EPS acts as the exchange media through which plant exudates and microbial secretions can be exchanged.		Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a group of substances exuded by [[microorganisms]] in order to form biofilms. The major components are extracellular polysaccharides (sometimes also called EPS), proteins, DNA, enzymes, lipids, and other biopolymers[1]. EPS accounts for 90% of biofilm dry mass and constitutes the matrix of the biofilm[1]. Biofilms are micro-habitats that keep microbes attached to a substrate[2], provide protection from desiccation[3,4], and play a key role in [[Nutrient Cycling\|nutrient cycling]][5]. EPS is known to alter the structure [2,6], hydrology [4,7,8,11], and composition [6,9,10] of soils. It is important in [[aggregate formation]] and acts as an interface between [[soil]] and plant interactions with microbes. At the soil interface EPS facilitates chemical reactions and transportation of nutrients. At the plant interface EPS acts as the exchange media through which plant exudates and microbial secretions can be exchanged.