Biofilms: An Introduction

Biofilms: An Introduction>

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"Biofilm is a microbial derived sessile community characterized by cells that are irreversibly attached to a substratum or interface to each other, embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances that they have produced.

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JW Costerton, L Montanaro, CR Arciola

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SOME "GOOD" EFFECTS

Waste-water treatment
Clean-up of oil spills
Providing nutrients for plants
Helping our digestion

SOME "BAD" EFFECTS

Eutrophication of waterways
Clogging of drains
Infection and inflammation
Colonization of household items
Colonization of body implants

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BIOFILMS ARE UBIQUITOUS MICROBIAL ECOSYSTEMS. THEY LIVE IN OUR WORLD, ON OUR BODIES, AND IN OUR BODIES. SOME ARE BELIEVED TO BE NECESSARY TO HUMAN LIFE, AND SOME ARE BELIEVED TO BE HARMFUL.

THERE IS A LOT OF RESEARCH TODAY IN THE AREAS OF MEDICINE, PUBLIC HEALTH, WASTE RECYCLING, BIOFUEL PRODUCTION AND BIODIVERSITY.

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The report, "Global Environmental Change: Microbial Contributions, Microbial Solutions," points out: ". . .the basic chemistry of Earth's surface is determined by biological activity, especially that of the many trillions of microbes in soil and water. Microbes make up the majority of the living biomass on Earth and, as such, have major roles in the recycling of elements vital to life."