Biofilms

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Biofilms

Biofilms are small microorganisms that form in cohorts. They include pathogens like
bacteria, fungi, and protists. They are enclosed in a matrix and cannot be removed with gentle
rinsing. They are found in a lot of places including natural water systems, medical devices, living
tissues, and underground piping.

These microorganisms can grow on several different surfaces, such as on your teeth called
dental plaque. When the solid or liquid finds a medium water source (such as H20, blood, etc. ) It
provides a beneficial environment to the growth of the bacterial biofilms. The first step of
attachment is called extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). From there, multiple factors help
determine how much the biofilm will grow over time.

Biofilms have been around for a long time. Fossil evidence shows biofilm life to about 3.25
billion years ago. Scientist Van Leeuwenhoek first studied microorganisms using a simple
microscope on teeth. He takes the credit for the discovery of microbial biofilms. Several people
throughout history have observed different types of biofilms on different surfaces, such as
Charackis (1973) who studied microbial slimes in big water systems and discovered the resistance
biofilms have to disinfectants like chlorine.

Although biofilms sound like an on-going disruption on surfaces there are some good
aspects to them. Scientists refer to the hardness of biofilms. They can be used as a protective
barrier and resistance. For example, they can defend themselves and other things against
powerful substances such as ultraviolet light, bleach, and metals. They can also prevent
dehydration upon surfaces and their intruders. At times antibiotics can pass through biofilms, but
when the bacteria is physiologically inactive, there isn't much an antibiotic can fight.

There are big issues based on the harm biofilms can cause. As research grows, the bacteria
and the fungi can lead to health conditions in all different ways. My first example is the dental
plaque can lead to the destruction of gum tissues and the health bone around your teeth.
Secondly, it can grow on medical devices such as prosthetics in the body. They can start an
infection and be very dangerous. Lastly they can impact the safety of food and plants that can
also threaten not only us, but the environment.

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