From the Guidelines
Biofilm is a complex community of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and to each other, embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), as described in the most recent study 1.
Definition of Biofilm
Biofilms are formed by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, or protozoa that thrive in a protective environment created by the slimy, glue-like substances of the EPS.
Formation of Biofilm
They develop in stages, beginning with attachment of free-floating microorganisms to a surface, followed by cell multiplication, EPS production, and maturation into a three-dimensional structure.
Concerns of Biofilm in Healthcare
Biofilms are particularly concerning in healthcare settings because they provide microbes protection from antibiotics, disinfectants, and the immune system, making infections difficult to treat.
Examples of Biofilm
Common examples include dental plaque, the slippery coating on rocks in streams, and the slime that forms in shower corners.
Impact of Biofilm
Biofilms can cause persistent infections, contaminate medical implants, and contribute to antibiotic resistance as the protective matrix can reduce antibiotic penetration by up to 1000-fold compared to free-floating bacteria, as noted in 1.
Recent Strategies
Recent strategies for the fabrication of antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antibiofouling biomaterials have been discussed in 1 and 1, highlighting the importance of preventing microbial adherence and eradicating adherent microorganisms.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis and treatment of biofilm infections have been addressed in 1, 1, and 1, emphasizing the need for appropriate diagnostic methods and treatment regimens, including the use of antibiotics and the removal or replacement of foreign bodies associated with biofilm infections.
From the Research
Definition of Biofilm
- Biofilm is a complex community of microorganisms, typically bacteria, that adhere to various surfaces and are enclosed in a self-secreted matrix containing extracellular polymeric substances 2, 3, 4.
- These complex structures allow free-floating planktonic cells to adopt a multicellular mode of growth, leading to persistent infections 2.
- Biofilms can be found on both living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) surfaces, and are a significant problem in treating bacterial infections 3, 4.
Characteristics of Biofilm
- Biofilms are intricate multicellular structures created by microorganisms on surfaces 3.
- They are the predominant form of microbial life in the natural environment 5.
- Biofilms can exhibit increased resistance to classical antibiotics and cause disease through device-related and non-device (tissue)-associated infections 4.
- They play a significant role across various sectors, including public health, medicine, and industries, and raise concerns due to their ability to withstand external attacks, including antibiotics and immune responses 2.
Formation and Impact of Biofilm
- Biofilm formation is a multifactorial process and often a multi-species endeavor that involves complex signaling networks, chemical gradients, bacterial adhesion, and production or acquisition of matrix components 6.
- Biofilms can lead to persistent infections, increased antibiotic resistance, and recurrence of infections 3.
- They have a major impact on our health and both natural and built environments, and are equally connected to our ability to bioremediate waste and toxic materials 5.