Identification of Poly-N-acetylglucosamine as a major polysaccharide component of the bacillus subtilis biofilm matrix

Abstract

Background: Bacillus subtilis is a model organism for analyzing bacterial biofilms, but the carbohydrate components are undescribed. Results: Genes in the epsHIJK locus needed for biofilm formation encode proteins synthesizing the conserved bacterial polysaccharide poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG). Conclusion: PNAG is a major carbohydrate component of B. subtilis biofilms. Significance: PNAG production is essential for formation of B. subtilis biofilms.