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Microbial Primer: An introduction to biofilms – what they are, why they form and their impact on built and natural environments

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Biofilms are complex communities of microbes that are bound by an extracellular macromolecular matrix produced by the residents. Biofilms are the predominant form of microbial life in the natural environment and although they are the leading cause of chronic infections, they are equally deeply connected to our ability to bioremediate waste and toxic materials. Here we highlight the emergent properties of biofilm communities and explore notable biofilms before concluding by providing examples of their major impact on our health and both natural and built environments.

Source: Microbiology

DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001338

Authors: Natalie C. Bamford, Cait E. MacPhee, Nicola R. Stanley-Wall

Institutions: University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, National Biofilms Innovation Centre