Biofilms

A biofilm is a layer consisting of various combinations of many different organisms, autotrophic and heterotrophic. They are dense, organized communities of cells, encased in a self-produced slime. The bacteria grow together in water like atmospheres, attaching to a solid surface, forming a small ecosystem. Biofilms are known as a micro-environment, a micro-habitat, or a slime matrix. They help decompose dead organisms and recycle carbon and nutrients.

Biofilms are formed on almost any surface that is submerged in non sterile water. Even hot springs, and glaciers. Examples of common places where biofilms are found are pipes, hulls of ships, porcelain surface of toilet bowls, wood siding, shower tiles, plastics, wooden cutting boards, vases, marine and fresh water environments, soft tissue surfaces in living organisms, contact lenses, mascara brushes, eye care solutions, and artificial fingernails. A sufficient amount of moisture, nutrients, and a large smooth surface must be present for a biofilm to form. The more nutrients there are, chances are, the more rapid the development will be. These are the places where biofilms are formed.

Biofilms are formed by a six step process. First is a reversible process, when an organic monolayer(made of polysaccharides or glycoproteins) absorbs to the surface, altering the chemical and physical properties of the surface. This makes the surface more conditioned and increase the chance that planktonic bacteria will attach. Secondly, also a reversible step, is when the free-floating or planktonic bacteria encounter the conditioned surface, and some attachment of the bacteria may occur. The third step is when the bacteria is left attached too long, then an irreversible attachment occurs. F...

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...get once you've slipped on the rocks. Industries that are effected by this are medical factories that make Band-Aids and other useful things to cover cuts with. Also, doctors get money when children come in with an infection that they have in a cut from the river because they slipped on the biofilm on the rocks.

However, even though many biofilms are harmful, there are many helpful biofilms too. One of which is the biofilm that is used in sewage and is very effective at treating environmental wastes. People rely on these biofilms to remove contaminants from the water. Another example of a beneficial biofilm is one that can be used to produce a greatly diverse amount of biochemicals that are then purified and utilized for public good, including medicines, food additives, or chemical additives for cleaning products. These are two examples of helpful biofilms.