What is biofilm?

The biofilm is composed of well structured microbial cells that adhere to a solid surface, which are surrounded by an extracellular polymer matrix. Due to this complex structure, the biofilm is able to protect itself against the host immune system and the antimicrobial action of the drugs.

The biofilm formation occurs through a series of events, beginning with the reversible microbial adhesion to the surface, followed by its multiplication and production of extracellular polymer matrix. In its final stage there may be the detachment of cells in planktonic form, which may cause biofilm formation in other sites or infection.

 

 

References:

• HALL-STOODLEY, L.; COSTERTON, J. W.; STOODLEY, P. Bacterial biofilms: from the natural environment to infectious diseases. Nat Rev Microbiol., v. 2, n. 2, p. 95-108, 2004.
• SANTOS, A. P. A.; WATANABE, E.; ANDRADE, D. Biofilme em marca-passo artificial: ficção ou realidade?. Bras. Cardiol.,   v. 97, n. 5, p. e113-e120,   2011 .
• Referência da figura: Adaptado de Monroe D (2007) Looking for Chinks in the Armor of Bacterial Biofilms. PLoS Biol 5(11): e307. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0050307.