) further enhanced EPS formation. EPS matrices were consistently protein-rich, suggesting roles in adhesion and early biofilm stabilization. Transcriptomic analysis revealed coordinated upregulation of methane oxidation and C1-processing pathways under conditions favoring EPS production and growth. These findings identify environmental conditions that promote methane-derived exopolymer synthesis and highlight the potential of M. alcaliphilum 20Z as a platform for EPS-based bioprocesses.
Aranda et al. (Sun,) studied this question.