Biofilms consist of microbial communities embedded in a 3D extracellular matrix. The matrix is composed of a complex array of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that contribute to the unique attributes of biofilm lifestyle and virulence. This ensemble of chemically and functionally diverse biomolecules is termed the ‘matrixome’. The composition and mechanisms of EPS matrix formation, and its role in biofilm biology, function, and microenvironment are being revealed. This perspective article highlights recent advances about the multifaceted role of the ‘matrixome’ in the development, physical–chemical properties, and virulence of biofilms. We emphasize that targeting biofilm-specific conditions such as the matrixome could lead to precise and effective antibiofilm approaches. We also discuss the limited knowledge in the context of polymicrobial biofilms, and the need for more in-depth analyses of the EPS matrix in mixed communities that are associated with many human infectious diseases.

生物膜由嵌入3D细胞外基质中的微生物群落组成。基质由一系列复杂的细胞外聚合物质（EPS）组成，这些物质有助于生物膜的生活方式和毒力的独特属性。化学上和功能上不同的生物分子的这种集合称为“矩阵组”。EPS基质形成的组成和机理，及其在生物膜生物学，功能和微环境中的作用正在被揭示。该观点文章重点介绍了有关“矩阵人”在生物膜的发育，理化性质和毒力中的多方面作用的最新进展。我们强调针对生物膜特定条件（例如基质组）可能会导致精确而有效的抗生物膜方法。