Biofilms are communities of microorganisms attached to surfaces, enclosed in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix. These structures provide a protective environment, enabling microbial cells to grow more efficiently and exchange genetic material. Biofilms are crucial in public health due to their role in infectious diseases and device-related infections. Understanding biofilm formation and regulation can lead to better control strategies and improved patient care. Microorganisms were historically considered planktonic, but biofilms, first observed by van Leeuwenhoek, are now recognized as a significant microbial phenomenon. Biofilms consist of microbial cells and EPS, with a complex structure that allows for nutrient exchange and communication via quorum sensing. The EPS matrix, primarily composed of polysaccharides, can include other materials like minerals and proteins, depending on the environment. Attachment to surfaces is influenced by factors such as surface roughness, hydrophobicity, and the presence of conditioning films. Hydrodynamics, nutrient levels, and temperature also affect microbial attachment. Cell surface properties, including hydrophobicity, fimbriae, and EPS production, play a critical role in attachment. Biofilm development involves gene regulation, with specific genes up- or down-regulated in response to environmental cues. Biofilms have a heterogeneous structure, with microcolonies separated by water channels, and can vary in composition and thickness. Biofilms provide a niche for gene transfer and antimicrobial resistance, and their structure can influence the spread of pathogens. Biofilms are involved in various diseases, including cystic fibrosis, endocarditis, and chronic prostatitis. They can also form on medical devices and in water systems, leading to infections. Biofilm dispersal occurs through various mechanisms, including shear forces and quorum sensing, allowing cells to detach and recolonize surfaces. Future research focuses on understanding biofilm genetics, developing control strategies, and exploring their role in antimicrobial resistance and chronic diseases. Biofilms are increasingly recognized as a universal microbial phenomenon, influencing various fields of microbiology. Understanding biofilms is essential for improving public health and medical treatments.Biofilms are communities of microorganisms attached to surfaces, enclosed in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix. These structures provide a protective environment, enabling microbial cells to grow more efficiently and exchange genetic material. Biofilms are crucial in public health due to their role in infectious diseases and device-related infections. Understanding biofilm formation and regulation can lead to better control strategies and improved patient care. Microorganisms were historically considered planktonic, but biofilms, first observed by van Leeuwenhoek, are now recognized as a significant microbial phenomenon. Biofilms consist of microbial cells and EPS, with a complex structure that allows for nutrient exchange and communication via quorum sensing. The EPS matrix, primarily composed of polysaccharides, can include other materials like minerals and proteins, depending on the environment. Attachment to surfaces is influenced by factors such as surface roughness, hydrophobicity, and the presence of conditioning films. Hydrodynamics, nutrient levels, and temperature also affect microbial attachment. Cell surface properties, including hydrophobicity, fimbriae, and EPS production, play a critical role in attachment. Biofilm development involves gene regulation, with specific genes up- or down-regulated in response to environmental cues. Biofilms have a heterogeneous structure, with microcolonies separated by water channels, and can vary in composition and thickness. Biofilms provide a niche for gene transfer and antimicrobial resistance, and their structure can influence the spread of pathogens. Biofilms are involved in various diseases, including cystic fibrosis, endocarditis, and chronic prostatitis. They can also form on medical devices and in water systems, leading to infections. Biofilm dispersal occurs through various mechanisms, including shear forces and quorum sensing, allowing cells to detach and recolonize surfaces. Future research focuses on understanding biofilm genetics, developing control strategies, and exploring their role in antimicrobial resistance and chronic diseases. Biofilms are increasingly recognized as a universal microbial phenomenon, influencing various fields of microbiology. Understanding biofilms is essential for improving public health and medical treatments.