MICROBIAL BIOFILMS: BENEFICIAL AND DETRIMENTAL IMPACTS

Abstract

Biofilms are matrix-enclosed microbial accretions that bind to biological or non-biological surfaces, such as stream rocks, as well as to surfaces of plants (roots) or animals (epitheliums). Accretions are often enclosed in the outer polymer layer (EPS) that the microorganism or the colonized host's defensive mechanisms may create. Biofilms are a safe mode of growth that lets cells endure in hostile surroundings and also disperses new niches to colonise. Biofilm development also occurs in a vastly diverse range of microorganisms. The biofilm formation cycle embodies a structurally complex and dynamic system that shares the characteristics of both multicellular primitive organisms and complex ecosystems. Although biofilms confer multifarious advantages to their members, such as adhesion/cohesion capabilities, mechanical properties, nutritional sources, metabolite exchange mechanism, cellular communication, defence and drug resistance (e.g. antimicrobials, antiseptics, and disinfectants), they cause other problems in the hospital environment, food industries, aquatic environments which are described herein this review article.