Formation and risks of biofilm

Summary

A biofilm is defined as a structured microbial community of majority bacteria and/or higher microorganisms enclosed in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix (EPS = ExoPolySaccharide Matrix) and adhering to a biotic (living) or abiotic (non-living) surface. In turn, planktonic microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and/or fungi present in solutions) can settle on this surface and expand the sessile biofilm. Depending on the specific environment, biofilms are heterogeneous mixtures of biological and non-biological components.

Chemical gradients generated throughout the biofilm allow bacteria to exist in a variety of physiological states, resulting in enhanced adaptability to the changing environment. Biofilms can consist of multiple species, usually forming a specialized community that interacts and communicates with each other.