1987 | J. William Costerton, K.-J. Cheng, Gill G. Geesey, Timothy I. Ladd, J. Curtis Nickel, Mrinal Dasgupta, Thomas J. Marrie
Bacterial biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. They are found in a wide range of natural and pathogenic environments, including aquatic systems, medical devices, and tissues. Biofilms are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents and can cause persistent infections. The structure and dynamics of biofilms involve initial attachment to surfaces, followed by the formation of microcolonies and the development of a structured, multi-species community. Biofilm bacteria exhibit distinct physiological characteristics compared to planktonic bacteria, including increased metabolic activity and resistance to antibiotics. The presence of biofilms in medical devices and tissues can lead to chronic infections, as the bacteria are protected from the host's immune system and antibiotics. Understanding the biology of biofilms is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent and treat biofilm-related infections. The resistance of biofilm bacteria to antimicrobial agents is a major challenge in the treatment of infections, and new approaches are needed to overcome this resistance. Research into the mechanisms of biofilm formation and the factors that contribute to their resistance is essential for the development of effective therapies.Bacterial biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. They are found in a wide range of natural and pathogenic environments, including aquatic systems, medical devices, and tissues. Biofilms are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents and can cause persistent infections. The structure and dynamics of biofilms involve initial attachment to surfaces, followed by the formation of microcolonies and the development of a structured, multi-species community. Biofilm bacteria exhibit distinct physiological characteristics compared to planktonic bacteria, including increased metabolic activity and resistance to antibiotics. The presence of biofilms in medical devices and tissues can lead to chronic infections, as the bacteria are protected from the host's immune system and antibiotics. Understanding the biology of biofilms is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent and treat biofilm-related infections. The resistance of biofilm bacteria to antimicrobial agents is a major challenge in the treatment of infections, and new approaches are needed to overcome this resistance. Research into the mechanisms of biofilm formation and the factors that contribute to their resistance is essential for the development of effective therapies.