Fig. 9: Model for the action of NAC on the mucoid biofilm matrix. | npj Biofilms and Microbiomes

Fig. 9: Model for the action of NAC on the mucoid biofilm matrix.

From: Alginate exopolymer significantly modulates the viscoelastic properties and resilience of bacterial biofilms

Fig. 9: Model for the action of NAC on the mucoid biofilm matrix.

a Mucoid biofilm matrix behaves as a cross-linked polyelectrolyte hydrogel at pH 7. b Upon treatment with NAC, the decrease in pH causes the matrix to shrink and the stiffness increases due to the increased volume fraction of the matrix. c Upon restoring the pH to 7, the ions within the matrix exert an outward pressure to attain Donnan equilibrium, decreasing the volume fraction below the critical point where G’ increases with a decrease in volume fraction.

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