What are biofilms?
Biofilm is a thin usually resistant layer of microorganisms (as bacteria) that forms on and coats various surfaces (as of catheters or water pipes).
These cells are frequently embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS).
On what type of surfaces biofilms could be formed?
Biofilms can form on just about any imaginable surface : metals, plastics, natural materials (such as rocks), medical implants, kitchen counters, contact lenses, the walls of a hot tub or swimming pool, human and animal tissue, including medical devices and implants.
Why biofilms are a constant concern in food processing environments?
They are a constant concern in food processing environments. Biofilms of Lactobacillus curvatus could lead to a defect caused by the formation of calcium lactate crystals in Cheddar cheese and they can be present on equipment surfaces (tough to remove).
Can biofilms exhibit antibiotic resistance?
Bacteria form biofilms, a kind of matrix, during infection in plants and animals. The biofilm shields the bacteria from antibiotics and helps bacteria survive harsh conditions such as extreme temperature or stress. Thus they can exhibit antibiotic resistance.
Thus for microorganisms, living as a part of a biofilm comes with certain advantages. They are seen to exhibit antibiotic resistance.
Which type of microorganisms form biofilms?
Biofilms are a collective of one or more types of microorganisms that can grow on many different surfaces. Microorganisms that form biofilms include bacteria, fungi and protists.
Give some examples of biofilms?
One common example of a biofilm is dental plaque, a slimy build-up of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of teeth.
Pond scum is another example.
Biofilms have been found growing on minerals and metals.
They have been found underwater, underground and above the ground.
They can grow on plant tissues and animal tissues, on food and food processing surfaces and on implanted medical devices such as catheters and pacemakers.
Can bacterial biofilms be used as sensing elements in biosensors devices?
Even though microbial biofilms have detrimental impacts in the natural environment and in medical and industrial processes, biofilms can also work to our advantages.
The improved surface adhesion and cell vitality can overcome two of the major limitations of cell biosensors, i.e., the need to immobilize the cells and keeping them healthy and active in a prolonged period.
The biofilm itself serves as the detection element responsible for the detection. These types of cell-based biosensors are cheap and robust, require low maintenance, and can operate continuously for a long time, thus making them favorable sensing devices for remote areas and online monitoring.
Therefore, it is possible to exploit biofilms as sensing elements in a detection device.
Must read: Probiotics – the class of helpful microorganisms
For more information https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/33/8/1387/347551
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
QUES 1 . Consider the following statements: UPSC 2022
1 . Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.
2 . Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.
3 . Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) Explanation: ● Biofilms are a collective of one or more types of microorganisms that can grow on many different surfaces. Microorganisms that form biofilms include bacteria, fungi and protists. ● One common example of a biofilm dental plaque, a slimy build-up of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of teeth. Pond scum is another example. Biofilms have been found growing on minerals and metals. They have been found underwater, underground and above the ground. They can grow on plant tissues and animal tissues, on food and food processing surfaces and on implanted medical devices such as catheters and pacemakers. So, statement 1 and statement 2 are correct. ● For microorganisms, living as a part of a biofilm comes with certain advantages. They are seen to exhibit antibiotic resistance. So, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.