Biofilms in pharmaceutical

quality control

Alla Suhlobova
 Biofilms
Biofilms are complex and three-dimensional microbial sessile
communities of cells embedded in a matrix of extra polymeric
substances (EPS) and irreversibly attached to a substrate,
interface, or to each other.
 Biofilms are universal. Biofilm is found to be a preferred
way of life for bacteria because it represents a survival
strategy as a mul-tilayer defense mechanism against
environmental stresses.
 EPS matrix secreted by the organisms, which helps protect
and keep the microbial community together, is clearly visible.
 Biofilm Structure
A native biofilm, which has a microcolony as its basic structural
unit, contains about 15% microbial cells and 85% EPS, the latter
composed of polysaccharides, proteins, other polymers, and
water.

The EPS matrix forms “towers” and “mushrooms” shapes.

Within these towers, water channels are formed interspersed
between the sessile microbial cells where nutrients, oxygen, and
waste flow through.
 Biofilm Structure

Scanning electron micrograph depicting a Staphylococcus

aureus biofilm found on the luminal surface of an indwelling
catheter.
 Biofilm Structure
 The chemical composition, physical properties,
hydrophobicity, and solubility of the EPS matrix vary with the
microorganisms, and age of biofilm, and also within the
biofilm structure itself.
 Most Gram-negative organisms secrete polysaccharides that
are neutral or polyanionic, whereas Gram-positive bacteria
secrete EPS that are quite different chemically and tend to be
cationic. Biofilms also have aerobic and anaerobic portions.
Even in a perfectly aerobic environment (e.g., a very thin
biofilm), the head of the mushroom is anaerobic.
 Often, noncellular materials, such as mineral crystals and
corrosion particles, are found within the biofilm matrix.
 Biofilms structure

Conceptual illustration of biofilm structure showing bacterial clusters,

streamers, and water channels..
 Biofilm formation and quorum session

Illustration of stages of biofilm formation.

 Biofilms structure

Biofilm on a Stainless Steel Surface A biofilm is a polysaccharide-encased community of

microorganisms.
 Biofilms structure

Architecture of a Biofilm Superimposed time sequence image shows

a single latex bead moving through a biofilm water channel. The
large light gray shapes are clusters of bacteria (scale bar=50 mm)
Biofilm formation and quorum session