Extracelular nucleic acids in biofilms

Biofilms are complex communities of microbes that attach to surfaces, causing serious problems for humans (e.g., chronic infectious diseases). Within biofilms, microbes are embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of proteins, polysaccharides, and/or nucleic acids, which protects them from various stressors. Understanding biofilm development and composition is important for combating biofilm-associated issues. In this study, we aim to characterize extracellular nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) that exist in biofilms formed by two characteristic clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We also investigate RNA sequences included in the biofilm culture medium.