What is a biofilm?
Quick Answer
A biofilm is a community of microorganisms attached to a surface and surrounded by a protective slimy matrix. Biofilms can form on teeth, rocks, pipes, and medical devices.
The Full Story
Biofilms are structured microbial communities that stick to surfaces and produce a self-made matrix of sugars, proteins, and DNA. This matrix helps the microbes resist drying, cleaning, and sometimes antibiotics. Biofilms are common in nature, where they can live on river stones or plant roots, and they are also important in medicine and industry. Dental plaque is one of the best-known human biofilms, and catheter- or implant-associated biofilms can cause stubborn infections.
Key Facts
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"Why bacteria love slime layers"
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