Role of extracellular DNA in bacterial biofilm formation

PhD ceremony: Mr. T.D. Ashish Kumar, 14.30 uur, Aula Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Role of extracellular DNA in bacterial biofilm formation

Promotor(s): prof. H.C. van der Mei, prof. H.J. Busscher

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Biofilms are protected niches with bacteria, that survive in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymer substances containing water, proteins, polysaccharides, and extracellular DNA (eDNA). eDNA is believed to originate from chromosomal DNA and actively produced, for example by autolysis or vesicular secretion. eDNA is involved in various stages of biofilm formation, including initial bacterial sticking, aggregation, biofilm architecture, and mechanical stabilisation. eDNA mediates biofilm formation through acid-base interactions. The newly found properties of eDNA may open up avenues for dealing with biofilms, not only in a medical context, but also in industrial applications.