Biofilms

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Biofilms

• Jim Goebl

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A Biofilm
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What are Biofilms?

• Biofilms are collections of microorganisms (ie
  bacteria, yeasts, and protozoa) that form on a
  hard surface
• Some examples of biofilms are the plaque that
  forms on teeth and the slime that forms on
  surfaces in watery areas
• Surrounded by slimy secretions

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More about Biofilms

• Over 90 of all bacteria live in biofilms

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Uses of Biofilms

• Often used to purify water in water treatment
  plants
• Used to break down toxic chemicals
• Used to produce useful biological compounds,
  including medicines

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Problems Caused by Biofilms

• Tend to clog pipes and water filters
• Can cause numerous diseases, including many
  diseases prevalent in hospitals
• Extra-resistant to antibiotics
• Can form almost anywhere that water is present,
  including catheters, kitchen counters, etc.

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Formation of Biofilms

• Form in places with access to water
• Attach to a solid surface using several means
• Flagella
• Hydrophobic Cell Walls
• Sticky Polymers

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Altruism among microorganisms

• Biofilms encourage altruism
• Bacteria will often sacrifice their maximum
  growth rate in an effort to use the available
  community resources more efficiently
• While individuals are disadvantaged, community as
  a whole benefits

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Altruism continued

• Biofilms like small cities
• Have many very close neighbors that remain
  together for extended periods of time

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Simulation

• http//www.theobio.uni-bonn.de/people/jan_kreft/ba
  csim.html

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Sources

• http//www.edstrom.com/Resources.cfm?doc_id23
• http//www.biofilm.org/whatis_biofilm.htm
• http//www.biofilmsonline.com
• Kreft, Jan-Ulrich. Biofilms Promote Altruism.
  Microbiology (2004), 150. 2751-2760.