The role of bacterial exopolysaccharides in nature and disease (Reprinted from Developments in Industrial Microbiology, vol 26, pg 249-261, 1985)

All bacteria growing in natural or pathogenic environments elaborate at their cell surfaces an exopolysaccharide glycocalyx. This consists most often of a highly hydrated matrix of fibrillar polyanionic polymers that constitute an ion exchange resin and surround the cell in a layer. This surface matrix mediates the adhesion of bacterial cells to surfaces and the subsequent formation of surface-associated biofilms in all aquatic systems. The glycocalyx matrix uses its inherent ion exchange properties to trap and concentrate nutrients in the biofilm and this property also protects the cells within the biofilm from chemical antibacterial agents that must first saturate the matrix before reaching the innermost bacterial cells.