Biofilms: Microbial Life on Surfaces

摘要

Microorganisms attach to surfaces and develop biofilms. Biofilm-associated cells can be differentiatedfrom their suspended counterparts by generation of an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix,reduced growth rates, and the up- and down-regulation of specific genes. Attachment is a complex pro-cess regulated by diverse characteristics of the growth medium, substratum, and cell surface. An estab-lished biofilm structure comprises microbial cells and EPS, has a defined architecture, and provides anoptimal environment for the exchange of genetic material between cells. Cells may also communicate viaquorum sensing, which may in turn affect biofilm processes such as detachment. Biofilms have greatimportance for public health because of their role in certain infectious diseases and importance in a varietyof device-related infections. A greater understanding of biofilm processes should lead to novel, effectivecontrol strategies for biofilm control and a resulting improvement in patient management