biofilmstrukturer

Biofilmstrukturer refer to the three-dimensional organization of microbial communities that adhere to surfaces and are embedded in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). These structures can consist of single species or multispecies consortia and are found in natural, industrial, and clinical settings.

Within the EPS matrix, cells form microcolonies separated by water-filled channels that facilitate nutrient and waste transport. The architecture ranges from flat, carpet-like biofilms to complex towers or streamers, especially in flowing systems. The spatial heterogeneity creates gradients of oxygen, nutrients, and pH, leading to zones of active and dormant cells.

Formation and dynamics: initial attachment, irreversible adhesion, maturation into a 3D structure, and eventual dispersion. Factors shaping architecture include hydrodynamics, nutrient availability, and cell signaling (quorum sensing). EPS composition—polysaccharides, proteins, extracellular DNA—controls cohesion, viscoelasticity, and diffusion. Dispersal can occur by detachment, enzyme-mediated matrix degradation, or motile cells.

Significance and study: Biofilm structures influence resistance to antimicrobials and cleaning, contribute to persistent infections and device-associated biofilms, and cause industrial biofouling. They also play essential roles in natural ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles. Studying biofilm structures uses microscopy and imaging techniques such as confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and 3D reconstruction to quantify thickness, roughness, and porosity. Understanding architecture helps explain why biofilms behave as cohesive, resilient communities rather than as individual cells.