Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances

Characterization, Structure and Function

  • Book
  • © 1999

Overview

Editors:
  1. Jost Wingender

    1. Dept. of Aquatic Microbiology, University of Duisburg and IWW Center for Water Research, Duisburg, Germany

    View editor publications

    You can also search for this editor in PubMed   Google Scholar

  2. Thomas R. Neu

    1. Dept. of Inland Water Research Magdeburg, UFZ Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Magdeburg, Germany

    View editor publications

    You can also search for this editor in PubMed   Google Scholar

  3. Hans-Curt Flemming

    1. Dept. of Aquatic Microbiology, University of Duisburg and IWW Center for Water Research, Duisburg, Germany

    View editor publications

    You can also search for this editor in PubMed   Google Scholar

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this book

Log in via an institution
eBook USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access

Licence this eBook for your library

Institutional subscriptions

Table of contents (13 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages I-XIV
    Download chapter PDF

  2. What are Bacterial Extracellular Polymeric Substances?

    • Jost Wingender, Thomas R. Neu, Hans-Curt Flemming
    Pages 1-19

  3. In Situ Characterization of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Biofilm Systems

    • Thomas R. Neu, John R. Lawrence
    Pages 21-47

  4. Extraction of EPS

    • Per H. Nielsen, Andreas Jahn
    Pages 49-72

  5. Biofilm Exopolysaccharides

    • Ian W. Sutherland
    Pages 73-92

  6. Regulation of Matrix Polymer in Biofilm Formation and Dispersion

    • David G. Davies
    Pages 93-117

  7. Exopolymers of Sulphate-Reducing Bacteria

    • Iwona B. Beech, Rudi C. Tapper
    Pages 119-126

  8. Analysis and Function of the EPS from the Strong Acidophile Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

    • Wolfgang Sand, Tilman Gehrke
    Pages 127-141

  9. Physical and Chemical Properties of Extracellular Polysaccharides Associated with Biofilms and Related Systems

    • Bjørn E. Christensen
    Pages 143-154

  10. Chemical Communication Within Microbial Biofilms: Chemotaxis and Quorum Sensing in Bacterial Cells

    • Alan W. Decho
    Pages 155-169

  11. Function of EPS

    • Gideon M. Wolfaardt, John R. Lawrence, Darren R. Korber
    Pages 171-200

  12. Polysaccharases in Biofilms — Sources — Action — Consequences!

    • Ian W. Sutherland
    Pages 201-216

  13. Extracellular Enzymes Within Microbial Biofilms and the Role of the Extracellular Polymer Matrix

    • Monica Hoffman, Alan W. Decho
    Pages 217-230

  14. Interaction Between Extracellular Polysaccharides and Enzymes

    • Jost Wingender, Karl-Erich Jaeger, Hans-Curt Flemming
    Pages 231-251

  15. Back Matter

    Pages 253-258
    Download chapter PDF
Back to top

Keywords

About this book

Microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are the key components for the aggregation of microorganisms in biofilms, flocs and sludge. They are composed of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and other biological macromolecules. EPS provide a highly hydrated gel matrix in which microbial cells can establish stable synergistic consortia. Cohesion and adhesion as well as morphology, structure, biological function and other properties such as mechanical stability, diffusion, sorption and optical properties of microbial aggregates are determined by the EPS matrix. Also, the protection of biofilm organisms against biocides is attributed to the EPS. Their matrix allows phase separation in biofiltration and is also important for the degradation of particulate material which is of great importance for the self purification processes in surface waters and for waste water treatment.

Editors and Affiliations

  • Dept. of Aquatic Microbiology, University of Duisburg and IWW Center for Water Research, Duisburg, Germany

    Jost Wingender, Hans-Curt Flemming

  • Dept. of Inland Water Research Magdeburg, UFZ Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Magdeburg, Germany

    Thomas R. Neu

Bibliographic Information

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Back to top

Search

Navigation