Microbial Interactions & Microbial Ecology

A biofilm is an assemblage of microbial cells that is irreversibly associated (not removed by gentle rinsing) with a surface and enclosed in a matrix of primarily polysaccharide material. These adherent cells are frequently embedded within a self-produced matrix of ESP (extracellular polymeric substance). Biofilms may form on a wide variety of surfaces, including living tissues, soil particles, indwelling medical devices, industrial or potable water system piping, or natural aquatic systems and provides an optimal environment for the exchange of genetic material between cells. Biofilms can be formed by a single bacterial species, but biofilms more often consist of many species of bacteria, as well as fungi, algae, protozoa, debris, and corrosion products. 

The study of biofilms has skyrocketed in recent years due to increased awareness of the pervasiveness and impact of biofilms on natural and industrial systems, as well as human health. The complexity of biofilm activity and behavior requires research contributions from many disciplines such as biochemistry, engineering, mathematics and microbiology.