![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Zobell (2) observed that the number of bacteria on surfaces was dramatically higher than in the surrounding medium (in this case, seawater). ![]() Heukelekian and Heller (1) observed the “bottle effect” for marine microorganisms, i.e., bacterial growth and activity were substantially enhanced by the incorporation of a surface to which these organisms could attach. Van Leeuwenhoek, using his simple microscopes, first observed microorganisms on tooth surfaces and can be credited with the discovery of microbial biofilms. A greater understanding of biofilm processes should lead to novel, effective control strategies for biofilm control and a resulting improvement in patient management.Ī biofilm is an assemblage of surface-associated microbial cells that is enclosed in an extracellular polymeric substance matrix. Biofilms have great importance for public health because of their role in certain infectious diseases and importance in a variety of device-related infections. Cells may also communicate via quorum sensing, which may in turn affect biofilm processes such as detachment. An established biofilm structure comprises microbial cells and EPS, has a defined architecture, and provides an optimal environment for the exchange of genetic material between cells. Attachment is a complex process regulated by diverse characteristics of the growth medium, substratum, and cell surface. Biofilm-associated cells can be differentiated from their suspended counterparts by generation of an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, reduced growth rates, and the up- and down- regulation of specific genes. Microorganisms attach to surfaces and develop biofilms. ![]()
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