The Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)matrix consists of extracellular DNA (eDNA), polysaccharides,proteins,amyloid fibres and bacteriophages.The EPS matrix functions as a shield to protect the bacterial community or population from predators such as protozoa or lytic phages,as well as from chemical toxins. Phages- Toxins- Protozoa- ◆Signals Food Waste Parental strain eDNA Fattyacid Genotypic and phenotypic variants D Oxygen RsO晚Protein Amyloid fibre Dispersal cell Nitric oxide oocooo Polysaccharide Filamentous phage Dead cell Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2010;2:0000398 Nature Reviews Microbiology,2012(10)The Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix consists of extracellular DNA (eDNA), polysaccharides, proteins, amyloid fibres and bacteriophages. The EPS matrix functions as a shield to protect the bacterial community or population from predators such as protozoa or lytic phages, as well as from chemical toxins . Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2010;2:a000398 Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2012(10)