Introduction to Biofilms - Online Tutor, Practice Problems & Exam Prep

Biofilms are communities of microbes encased in a slime-like extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), which consists of diverse polymers such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. These biofilms can form on various surfaces and are significant in causing serious illnesses. Understanding biofilms is crucial for developing strategies to counteract their effects on human health. The study of biofilms highlights the importance of microbial communities and their interactions within the EPS matrix, emphasizing their role in pathogenicity and disease prevention.

Introduction to Biofilms

In this video, we're going to begin our introduction to biofilms. Biofilms can be defined as a group of cells that are encased in a slime-like polysaccharide layer adhered to a surface. These biofilms are really just communities or groups of microbes that live together encased in this slime-like polysaccharide. Biofilms can be found on virtually any surface, and they can cause serious illness in many cases. These biofilms are encased by a polysaccharide matrix of extracellular polymeric substances or EPS for short. The extracellular polymeric substances or EPS are really just a sticky matrix of polymers. These polymers can vary a lot but will be secreted by cells supporting the biofilm structure. The polymer types can vary, and they include polysaccharides, proteins, glycoproteins, glycolipids, and lipids. All of these complex diverse molecules are secreted to create this extracellular polymeric substance. Once again, that is what is going to encase the biofilm. The biofilm is a community of microbes that is surrounded by an extracellular polymeric substance.

If we take a look at this image down below, you'll notice that it depicts a biofilm. The biofilm refers to the community of microbes living together within this gel-like substance, the extracellular polymeric substance. The extracellular polymeric substance is really just the gray border and gray background that you see. It is what encases the biofilm, this community of microbes that live together. Here, zooming into the extracellular polymeric substance or the EPS, it consists of various types of polymers, which could include polysaccharides, proteins, glycoproteins, glycolipids, and lipids. Bacteria and archaea can all survive within these biofilms. They are of great importance because they can cause serious illnesses. The biofilms can help the community of microbes, and therefore, they can help these microbes cause illnesses. It is of great importance to humans to study biofilm so they can learn how to counteract them and prevent illnesses and things of that nature. This here concludes our brief introduction to biofilms, these groups of cells or communities of microbes that live together within this slime-like EPS, extracellular polymeric substance. We'll be able to get some practice applying these concepts as we move forward. So I'll see you all in our next video.

______________ are complex communities of various types of microbes that adhere to surfaces.

• A. Biofilms
• B. Aggregates
• C. Colonies
• D. Cell morphologies

Biofilms can contain which of the following:

• A. Bacterial cells
• B. Proteins
• C. Archaeal cells
• D. Polysaccharides
• E. All of the choices are correct

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are biofilms and how are they formed?

Biofilms are communities of microbes encased in a slime-like extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). They form when individual microbial cells adhere to a surface and begin to secrete EPS, which consists of diverse polymers such as polysaccharides, proteins, glycoproteins, glycolipids, and lipids. This EPS matrix provides structural support and protection to the microbial community. Over time, more cells join the biofilm, and the EPS matrix continues to develop, creating a stable environment for the microbes. Biofilms can form on virtually any surface, including medical devices, natural environments, and industrial settings.

Why are biofilms significant in causing illnesses?

Biofilms are significant in causing illnesses because the EPS matrix protects the microbial community from external threats, including the immune system and antibiotics. This protection allows the microbes to persist and thrive, leading to chronic infections. Biofilms can form on medical devices such as catheters and implants, increasing the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Additionally, biofilms can harbor pathogenic microbes, making it difficult to eradicate infections. Understanding biofilms is crucial for developing strategies to counteract their effects and prevent illnesses.

What is the composition of the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) in biofilms?

The extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) in biofilms is a sticky matrix composed of diverse polymers. These polymers include polysaccharides, proteins, glycoproteins, glycolipids, and lipids. The specific composition of EPS can vary depending on the microbial community and environmental conditions. The EPS matrix provides structural support, protection, and a stable environment for the microbes within the biofilm. It also facilitates communication and nutrient exchange among the microbial cells, contributing to the overall stability and functionality of the biofilm.

How do biofilms impact human health?

Biofilms impact human health by contributing to the persistence and severity of infections. The EPS matrix protects the microbial community from the immune system and antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. Biofilms can form on medical devices, leading to healthcare-associated infections. They can also develop on tissues, causing chronic infections such as cystic fibrosis lung infections and chronic wounds. Understanding biofilms is essential for developing effective treatment strategies and preventing biofilm-related infections, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

What strategies are used to counteract biofilms?

Several strategies are used to counteract biofilms, including mechanical removal, chemical treatments, and the development of anti-biofilm agents. Mechanical removal involves physically disrupting the biofilm, such as through brushing or scraping. Chemical treatments include the use of disinfectants, antibiotics, and enzymes that can degrade the EPS matrix. Anti-biofilm agents are being developed to specifically target biofilm formation and stability. Additionally, research is focused on preventing biofilm formation by modifying surface properties and developing materials that resist microbial adhesion. Understanding biofilm biology is crucial for developing these strategies and improving their effectiveness.