Exopolysaccharide quantification

Abstract

The extracellular (EC) matrix is a key feature of mature P. aeruginosa biofilms. Exopolysaccharides are considered as major components of this biofilm matrix. They include alginate, LPS, glucans, and psl- and pel -dependent products. Here, we describe a method of quantification of the psl -dependent mannose-rich exopolysaccharide, based on the quantification of mannose in carbohydrate-enriched cell-associated extracts and growth media. Mannose is quantified by GC or GC-MS with an internal standard, after acid hydrolysis and conversion into volatile alditol acetates.