Biofilms are complex three-dimensional bacterial assemblages that attach to biotic or abiotic solid surfaces, and frequently embed within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilm formation is a microbial defense response to biotic and abiotic stresses, and a key factor for survival in adverse environments. A wide variety of microorganisms can colonize distant tissues of higher plants, such as leaves, vascular network and roots, and adhere to the surface of the tissues to form biofilms. The dynamic processes in forming biofilms in response to plant internal environment are key steps required for full virulence of phytopathogenic bacteria. Exploring the mechanisms involved in regulation of bacterial biofilms is important for understanding the plant-pathogens interactions. In this review, we summarized the research progresses related to the biofilms of bacterial phytopathogens, including biofilm characteristics, essential regulatory mechanisms and key signals affecting the transition between a planktonic lifestyle and multicellular behavior.
生物被膜是微生物附着在生物或非生物表面所形成的一种三维结构，细胞被其自身所产生的胞外聚合物所包围，生物被膜的形成被认为是微生物应对生物和非生物胁迫时所产生的一种自我防御机制。众多微生物能够在植物叶、维管束和根等组织中生长，并在植物不同组织表面附着形成生物被膜，病原细菌的生物被膜随植物内部环境动态变化是其有效发挥致病作用的关键，研究植物病原细菌生物被膜调控机制是认识植物-病原菌互作的重要方面。文中将系统地介绍植物病原细菌生物被膜特征、组成成分、分子调控机制及最新研究进展。.
Keywords: biofilms; phytopathogenic bacteria; regulatory mechanism; stress.