The Biofilm Matrix – A Target for Control of Biofilm Formation

Bacteria in environmental, industrial, and medical settings predominantly live in biofilms. Production by the bacteria of cell-to-cell interconnecting extracellular compounds is a prerequisite to biofilm formation. The proposed research project aims at obtaining knowledge about the mechanisms which are involved in the production of these cell-to-cell interconnecting compounds. Such knowledge will be useful for creating strategies to prevent unwanted biofilm formation, and to promote beneficial biofilm formation.