The article by Costerton et al. reviews the significance of bacterial biofilms in both natural and pathogenic environments. It highlights the differences between bacteria grown in pure cultures and those found in natural and pathogenic ecosystems, emphasizing the formation of adherent biofilms and structured consortia. The authors discuss the structure and dynamics of biofilms, their physiology, and the resistance of biofilm bacteria to antimicrobial agents. They also explore the distribution of biofilms in natural aquatic environments, industrial systems, and medical biomaterials, as well as their role in digestion and biodeterioration. The article further examines the protective and pathogenic associations of biofilms with tissue surfaces, and the challenges in treating infections associated with biofilm bacteria. The authors conclude that biofilm bacteria are more resistant to biocides and antibiotics than planktonic cells, and that understanding the ecology of biofilms is crucial for effective control and treatment of infections.The article by Costerton et al. reviews the significance of bacterial biofilms in both natural and pathogenic environments. It highlights the differences between bacteria grown in pure cultures and those found in natural and pathogenic ecosystems, emphasizing the formation of adherent biofilms and structured consortia. The authors discuss the structure and dynamics of biofilms, their physiology, and the resistance of biofilm bacteria to antimicrobial agents. They also explore the distribution of biofilms in natural aquatic environments, industrial systems, and medical biomaterials, as well as their role in digestion and biodeterioration. The article further examines the protective and pathogenic associations of biofilms with tissue surfaces, and the challenges in treating infections associated with biofilm bacteria. The authors conclude that biofilm bacteria are more resistant to biocides and antibiotics than planktonic cells, and that understanding the ecology of biofilms is crucial for effective control and treatment of infections.