biofilmi

Biofilm is a structured community of microorganisms attached to a surface and embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Microorganisms in biofilms include bacteria, fungi, and algae, and they can form on living tissues or inert surfaces such as pipes, medical devices, or rocks. Biofilms develop when planktonic cells adhere to a surface, become irreversibly attached, and begin to produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that form a hydrated matrix. Over time, cells proliferate into three-dimensional architectures with water channels that distribute nutrients and remove wastes.

Their composition includes polysaccharides, extracellular DNA, and proteins that form the EPS, along with microbial cells that may be genetically diverse. Environmental conditions such as nutrient availability, shear forces, surface properties, and communication signals (quorum sensing) influence formation and architecture. Biofilms exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity and gradients of oxygen and pH, supporting diverse metabolic states and increased tolerance to antimicrobials.

Biofilms have significant implications for health and industry. In medicine, biofilms on teeth cause dental plaque; on implants and catheters, they contribute to chronic infections and device-associated infections due to enhanced resistance to antibiotics and immune clearance. In industry and water systems, biofilms can clog pipes, corrode surfaces, and contaminate products, raising maintenance and safety concerns.

Prevention and control rely on physical removal, regular cleaning, and disinfection, along with strategies to reduce adhesion and disrupt the EPS matrix. Emerging approaches include anti-biofilm coatings, enzymes targeting EPS, quorum-sensing inhibitors, and mechanical or ultrasonic methods. Understanding biofilm biology informs strategies to manage risks while leveraging beneficial biofilms in environmental and industrial contexts.