WHAT IS BIOFILM?

They are cluster of bacteria  that are attached to the surface or each other. 

they embedded in self produced Matrix.

The biofilm Matrix consists of substance like protein (e.g fibrin), polysaccharides  

(e.g  alginate) as well as eDNA

DISADVANTAGES OF A BIOFILM 

Biofilm in the industry

Biofilms have also caused several problems in the industry. It can cause fouling of the equipment, contaminate products and damage the water distribution system. It can cause contamination of the fuel and souring of the chemicals due to the excretion of H2S by the biofilm bacteria.

Biofilms increase antibiotic resistance

The dense extracellular matrix and the cell’s outer layer protect the entire biofilm community and increase the resistance to detergents and antibiotics. It interferes with antibiotic therapy.

It is found that the bacteria in biofilm are 1000 times more resistant than the single bacteria. The antibiotic therapy may not work, so the only treatment is the removal of the contaminated implant.

Biofilms are associated with nosocomial infections

Biofilms are present in medical devices, shower curtains, rocks in rivers, streams, and noses. The CDC has estimated that biofilms cause the 65% of nosocomial infections. The medical devices implanted in the body can be affected by biofilm formation. These implanted devices can be catheters, artificial joints, and mechanical heart valves. When colonization of microorganisms occurs, slow but persistent infection can occur.

Formation of Biofilm