Quantification of biofilm exopolysaccharides using an in situ assay with periodic acid-Schiff reagent.

A novel approach to the quantification of extracellular polysaccharides in miniaturized biofilms presenting a wide variety of extracellular matrices was developed. The assay used the periodic acid-Schiff reagent and was first calibrated on dextran and alginate solutions. Then it was implemented on 24-h and 48-h biofilms from three strains known to produce different exopolymeric substances (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus licheniformis, Weissella confusa). The assay allowed quantification of the total exopolysaccharides, taking into account possible interferences due to cells or other main expolymers of the matrix (eDNA, proteins).