Table 2.

Overview of modification of EPS and matrix structure after excretion (after [48], with permission.

Microbial Modification	Effect on EPS
Degradation of EPS components by hydrolases, esterases, lipases, proteases and other lytic enzymes	Shortening of chain length, degradation of EPS, change of matrix structure and stability, formation of pores and channels Destabilization of matrix, dispersion, release of biofilm organisms
Variation of EPS composition in mixed biofilms during development	EPS of different properties, resistance to EPS-lysing enzymes
Post-excretional addition of substituents to polysaccharides	Influence on shape, charge, hydrophobicity of polymer, surface activity
Molecular structure suitable for protein-polysaccharide interaction	Retention, possible protection and activation of extracellular enzymes
Excretion of rhamnolipids	Increase of porosity, favouring of cell motility, influencing mass transport
Movement of “stealth swimmers” Houry et al. [49]	Formation of channels, improvement of convective mass transport
Environmental influence	Effect
Shear forces	Washout of well soluble EPS, accumulation of less soluble EPS, increase of stability of remaining matrix, sloughing off, erosion
Grazing by higher organisms (protozoa, larvae, snails etc.)	Selective removal of EPS and EPS producing organisms, formation of channels, destabilization of matrix