Global Journal of Life Sciences and Biological Research
Open Access

An Introduction to Biofilms and Their Effects

Tonni Morrison^{* *}Correspondence: Tonni Morrison, Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Marshall University, Huntington, USA, Email:

Author info »

About the Study

Biofilms are complex, organized communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are surrounded by a protective extracellular matrix. They are ubiquitous in nature and can be found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and the human body. Biofilms play an important role in the natural ecosystem, but they can also have negative effects, such as causing infections and contaminating industrial equipment.

Structure of biofilms

Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms that adhere to a surface and are surrounded by a matrix of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS), which are produced by the microorganisms themselves. EPS can include proteins, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and lipids. The EPS matrix protects the microorganisms from environmental stressors such as antibiotics, immune cells, and changes in temperature, pH, and nutrient availability. The EPS also provides a scaffold for the microorganisms to attach to and communicate with each other. The microorganisms in a biofilm are typically heterogeneous, meaning that there are different species of bacteria, fungi, and archaea present. This diversity allows for complex interactions and cooperation between the different species, which can lead to increased resistance to environmental stressors and the development of specialized functions within the community.

Functions of biofilms

Biofilms play an important role in the natural ecosystem by providing a habitat for microorganisms and facilitating nutrient cycling. They can be found in a variety of environments, from streams and rivers to soil and rocks. In aquatic environments, biofilms can attach to submerged surfaces such as rocks, plants, and even the shells of aquatic animals. These biofilms can serve as a food source for larger organisms such as snails, insects, and fish. Biofilms also play a critical role in the human body. They can be found on the surface of the skin, in the respiratory tract, and in the gastrointestinal tract. In the gut, biofilms help to maintain a healthy microbiome by preventing harmful microorganisms from colonizing the gut and by facilitating nutrient absorption. However, when the balance of the microbiome is disrupted, biofilms can become pathogenic and cause infections.

Effects of biofilms

Biofilms can have both positive and negative effects on human health and industrial processes. In the human body, biofilms can cause infections that are difficult to treat with antibiotics. For example, biofilms can form on medical devices such as catheters and prosthetic implants, leading to infections that are resistant to antibiotics. Biofilms can also form in the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis, leading to chronic infections and respiratory failure. In industrial processes, biofilms can cause fouling of equipment and contamination of products. Biofilms can form on pipes, tanks, and other equipment in food processing plants, leading to decreased efficiency and increased costs. Biofilms can also contaminate industrial products such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, leading to product recalls and loss of revenue.

Preventing and treating biofilms

Preventing the formation of biofilms are key to reducing their negative effects. In industrial processes, regular cleaning and disinfection can help to prevent the formation of biofilms on equipment. In the human body, maintaining a healthy microbiome through diet and probiotics can help to prevent the formation of pathogenic biofilms.

Treating biofilms can be challenging due to their resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. However, there are several strategies that can be used to disrupt biofilms and treat associated infections. These include physical removal of the biofilm through surgical debridement, the use of enzymes to break down the EPS matrix, and the use of antimicrobial agents that are specifically designed to target biofilms.